EUROBATS National Implementation Report · Implementation Reports and instructed the Secretariat to...

EUROBATS National Implementation Report

In the Resolution 7.4, the 7th Meeting of Parties to EUROBATS decided to adopt a new format for the National

EUROBATS National Implementation Report [Parte: Portugal] of 47

Implementation Reports and instructed the Secretariat to make this new format available for online completion in time

for MoP8.

Present format of national reports was carefully revised by the relevant Intersessional Working Group during the 20th

Meeting of the Advisory Committee (2015) in order to include the Resolutions of MoP7 and is now available on the CMS

Family Online Reporting System (ORS).

Please visit the Support Centre page in case of any questions regarding the Online Reporting System. The link is

available in the bottom left corner.

A. General Information

Name of your country

› Portugal

Period covered by this report

› May 2014 - May 2018

Is your country a party to EUROBATS Agreement?

☑ Yes

Competent authority

Title, address, phone, fax, e-mail and other contact details

› Mainland Portugal: Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), Av. da República 16-16B,

1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal, +351213507900, [email protected]

Azores Autonomous Region: Direção Regional do Ambiente, Direção de Serviços de Conservação da Natureza

e Sensibilização Ambiental, Edifício Matos Souto, Piedade, 9930 - 210 Lajes do Pico

Madeira Autonomous Region: Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (IFCN), Caminho do Meio,

Quinta do Bom Sucesso, 9064-512 Santa Maria Maior, Funchal, Portugal, + 351291211200, ifcn@madeira-

gov.pt

Personal details of administrative focal point (s)

› Mainland Portugal: Dr Luísa Rodrigues, ICNF, Av. da República 16-16B, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal,

+351213507900 (ext 51433), [email protected]

Azores Autonomous Region: Mr Emanuel Veríssimo, Direção Regional do Ambiente, Edifício Matos Souto,

Piedade, 9930 - 210 Lajes do Pico

Madeira Autonomous Region: Mr Duarte Nuno Ornelas Barreto, IFCN, Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, 9064-

512 Santa Maria Maior, Funchal, Portugal, [email protected]

Please give details of designated scientifical focal points

› Mainland Portugal: Dr Luísa Rodrigues, ICNF, Av. da República 16-16B, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal,

+351213507900 (ext 51433), [email protected]

Azores Autonomous Region: Mrs Carla Silva, Direção Regional do Ambiente, Edifício Matos Souto, Piedade,

9930 - 210 Lajes do Pico

Madeira Autonomous Region: Mr Sérgio Bruno Marques Teixeira, Madeira Fauna & Flora, Centro Comercial

Centromar, loja 9, 9004-516 Funchal, Portugal, +351960384 243, [email protected]

Compilers and contributors to this report

› Mainland Portugal: Luísa Rodrigues (compiler), Adelaide Ferreira, Alexandra Batista, Ana Sofia Costa, Ana

Lino, Ana Rainho, André Farino, Bárbara Monteiro, Bruno Silva, Carla Viegas, Carlos Pedro Santos, Carmen

Silva, Catarina Milhinhas, Cátia Ribeiro, Cátia Teixeira, Clara Fernandes, Conceição Conde, Francisco Amorim,

Francisco Marques, Frederico Hintze, Gabriela Rodrigues, Helena Ceia, Helena Santos, Hugo Rebelo, Inês Dias,

Joana Silva, Jorge Palmeirim, Katrine Jensen, Lucília Guedes, Luzia Sousa, Margarida Augusto, Maria João Silva,

Marlene Fernandes, Marisa Quaresma, Milene Matos, Miguel Fevereiro, Paulo Barros, Paulo Marques, Pedro

Alves, Pedro Leote, Rita Azedo, Roberto Leite, Ruben Mina, Sandra Faria, Sérgio Bruno Ribeiro, Sílvia Barreiro,

Tiago Luis, Tiago Marques, Vanessa Mata, Virgínia Duro

Azores Autonomous Region: Carla Silva (compiler), Ana Rainho, Azorina S.A., Island Natural Parks Staff

Madeira Autonomous Region: Sérgio Teixeira (compiler), José Jesus, Ricardo Rocha


B. Status of bat species within the territory

Please assess a national status ONLY for those bat species from the Annex 1 to EUROBATS Agreement that

were recorded in your country

Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853

Status of the species occurrence

☑ Resident

Overall national trend

☑ Indeterminate

Status in the National Red List (when it exists)

☑ CR, Critically Endangered

Year of assessment

› 2005

Has the status been reported under the Article 17 of the Habitat Directive or for the Emerald network (non-

EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012

Conservation status per biogeographical region

FV = favourable; U1 = unfavourable-inadequate; U2 = unfavourable-bad); XX = unknown.

NO = doesn't occur in the region

F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Atlantic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐

Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Continental ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Macaronesian ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Mediterranean ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐ ☐

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Black Sea ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Pannonian ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Steppic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Anatolian ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)


☑ Resident


☑ Stable


☑ VU, Vulnerable

Year of assessment

› 2005



EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800)


☑ Resident


☑ Indeterminate


☑ VU, Vulnerable

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Atlantic ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐ ☐


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑



Mediterranean ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Rhinolophus mehelyi Matschie, 1901


☑ Resident


☑ Indeterminate



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Atlantic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774)



☑ Resident


☑ Not studied


☑ DD, Data Deficient

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Eptesicus isabellinus (Temminck, 1840)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied


☑ Other

Other categories

National Red List Status details

› The status in the National Red List was not evaluated because its presence was confirmed after 2005.


EU countries)?

☑ Other


Please, specify

› At the time of the last report, this species had not yet been accepted by the EU.

Eptesicus serotinus (Schreber, 1774)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied


☑ LC, Least Concern

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Hypsugo savii (Bonaparte, 1837)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005



EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis bechsteinii (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied


☑ EN, Endangered

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Mediterranean ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)


☑ Resident


☑ Negative



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis daubentonii (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident



☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis emarginatus (Geoffroy, 1806)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012





F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis escalerai Cabrera, 1904


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments

Add specific comments, if required

› After the publication of the Portuguese Red Data Book, the presence of Myotis escalerai (replacing M.

nattereri) was confirmed in mainland; all information regarding M. nattereri was transposed to M. escalerai.

EU did not accept yet this species, so M. escalerai was reported as M. nattereri.


☑ Not studied


☑ VU, Vulnerable

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)


☑ Resident


☑ Stable


☑ VU, Vulnerable

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident



☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Nyctalus azoreum (Thomas, 1901)


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments


› Endemic to the Azores Archipelago.


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes


Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Macaronesian ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐ ☐

Mediterranean ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Nyctalus lasiopterus (Schreber, 1780)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments


› Mainland Portugal: Data deficient. Trend not studied.

Madeira Authonomous Region: Critically endangered. The resident endemic subspecies Nyctalus leisleri

verrucosus has been assessed regionally in 2002 for the Portuguese Vertebrates red book as critically

endangered. Monitoring made in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on sites accessed in 2002 showed Leisler's population

has declines in most feeding areas and colonies that were previously assessed. Main cause of decline are

large suburban and forest fires. Status of Critically Endangered should be maintained. Negative trend.

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774)



☑ Occasional

General comments

Comments


› The rarity and distribution in Spain, the few records registered in mainland Portugal, and the migratory

behaviour of this species, don´t allow the determination of its distribution and type of occurence; the

presence may be occasional or seasonal.

The species was included in the 2007-2012`s DH report but the conservation status was not assessed.


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Atlantic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑



Mediterranean ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments


› Mainland Portugal: Least concern. Trend not studied.

Madeira Autonomous Region: First bats were found in 2008, but an uncommon species when compared with


others on the Island of Madeira. This species wasn't specifically evaluated hence there isn't enough data to

determine its trends.


☑ Not studied

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Macaronesian ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐

Mediterranean ☑ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Pipistrellus maderensis (Dobson, 1878)


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments


› Madeira Autonomous Region: This endemic species has been assessed regionally in 2002 for the Portuguese

Vertebrates red book as critically endangered. Due to the massive forest fires in 2010, 2012 and 2016 most

known colonies were destroyed. Monitoring made in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on sites accessed in 2002 showed

that there were strong or absolute population decline. Some feeding areas were burned and are no used

presently. Status should be maintained. Negative trend.


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005



EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑



Mediterranean ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑

Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑



Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Pipistrellus pygmaeus (Leach, 1825)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758)



☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Plecotus austriacus (Fischer, 1829)


☑ Resident

General comments

Comments


› Mainland Portugal: Least concern. Trend not studied.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Critically endangered. Since it been assessed regionally in 2002 for the

Portuguese Vertebrates red book as critically endangered, only one new area has been identified, but no new

roosts have

been found. Areas used during the assessment, including a large colony with about 40 bats are now

abandoned or destroyed and no bats were found. Therefore known sites have shown a steep decline in

population. Trend not studied.

Year of assessment

› 2005



EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Macaronesian ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐


Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ Resident


☑ Stable


☑ VU, Vulnerable

Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑



Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑





Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814)


☑ Resident


☑ Not studied



Year of assessment

› 2005


EU countries)?

☑ Yes

Year of report

› 2007-2012




F

V

U1 U2 X

X

N

O

Alpine ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑


Boreal ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑




Arctic ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑






C. Measures taken to implement Article III of the Agreement

Does the national legislation protect all bat species?

☑ Yes

Please, give details of the legislation which is protecting bats

› - Bonn Convention applied nationally through Decreto nº 103/80, published on October 11th of 1980

- Bern Convention applied nationally through Decreto nº 95/81, published on July 23rd and updated and

regulated by Decreto-Lei nº 316/89, published on September 22nd of 1989

- Habitats Directive transposed to National law under Decreto-Lei n.º 140/99, published on April 24th of 1999,

and later republished under Decreto-Lei n.º 49/2005, of February 24th of 2005 and altered by Decreto-Lei n.º

156-A/2013, published on November 8th of 2013. Adapted by Madeira Autonomous Region Parliament on

March 2nd of 2006 through DLR n.º 5/2006/M

- EUROBATS - Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats, applied to National Law

through Decreto n.º 31/95, published on August 18th of 1995 and later altered by Decreto 5/2014, published

on January 29th of 2014.

Azores Autonomous Region: The Azorean regional legal framework of nature conservation and biodiversity

was published by the Regional Legislative Decree No. 15/2012/A, of April 2nd. This document transposes the

Habitat Directive, Bonn Convention, Bern Convention and EUROBATS.

Madeira Autonomous Region: The management and land use plans for the Sites of Community Importance

(SCI) which include protection of all wildlife including bats, were published by Madeira Autonomous Region

government under the following resolutions:

- Resolução nº 1292/2009, de 2 de outubro – aprova o Plano de Ordenamento e Gestão das ilhas Selvagens

(POGIS); Management of SCI Ilhas Selvagens, Savage Islands

- Resolução nº 1293/2009, de 2 de outubro – aprova o Plano de Ordenamento e Gestão das ilhas Desertas

(POGID); Management of SCI Ilhas Desertas, Desertas Islands

- Resolução nº 1294/2009, de 2 de outubro – aprova o Plano de Ordenamento e Gestão da Ponta de São

Lourenço (POGPSL); Management of SCI Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira Island

- Resolução nº 1411/2009, de 19 de novembro – aprova o Plano de Ordenamento e Gestão do Maciço

Montanhoso Central da ilha da Madeira (POGMMC); Management of SCI Maciço Montanhoso Central, Madeira

Island

- Resolução nº 1412/2009, de 19 de novembro – aprova o Plano de Ordenamento e Gestão da Laurissilva da

Madeira (POGLM); Management of SCI Laurissilva da Madeira, Madeira Island

- Declaration of Rectification nº 13/2009, of November 27th of 2009 - publishing the annexes relative to the

resolutions n.º 1411/2009 and 1412/2009, of November 19th of 2009

- Despacho nº 69/2009, de 24 de Junho - aprova o Programa de Medidas de Gestão de Conservação do Sítio

de Importância Comunitária (SIC) do Pico Branco – Porto Santo. Management of SCI of Pico Branco, Porto

Santo Island


de Importância Comunitária (SIC) do Ilhéu da Viúva. Management of SCI of Ilhéu da Viúva, Madeira Island.


de Importância Comunitária (SIC) das Achadas da Cruz. Management of SCI of Achadas da Cruz, Madeira

Island.


de Importância Comunitária (SIC) dos Moledos. Management of SCI of Moledos, Madeira Island.


de Importância Comunitária (SIC) do Pináculo. Management of SCI of Pináculo, Madeira Island.

Comments

› Madeira Autonomous Region: Considering its recent inclusion on the EUROBATS Agreement and

administrative changes within biodiversity and forestry conservation hindered the implementation of Article III

time-wise, but all measures are planned or ongoing within the capabilities of local authorities.


1. Guidelines for the issue of permits for the capture and study of

captured wild bats

Does the system of permits or licenses for the capture of bats exist in your country?

☑ Yes

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: 48 permits regarding capture/handling/sampling/ringing were issued

Azores Autonomous Region: 1 permit regarding capture/handling was issued, for biometric data and

photographic purposes.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Any scientific and conservation work dealing with wild species, including bats

requires a permit/license form the IFCN. First licenses to capture bats were given in 2002. No new licenses to

capture bats were emitted between 2014 and 2018.

System of permits or licences to keep bats for educational or animal welfare purposes

☑ In place

Comments

› Mainland Portugal: 2 permits regarding keeping disabled bats were issued

Azores Autonomous Region: No permit for keeping bats was issued.

In Madeira Autonomous Region bats are kept in captivity exclusively for short periods of time for research

purposes. If possible, injured bats are fed and released on the point where they were found. In case the bat

deceases and release is not possible, all specimens are sent to local museums or university to be preserved

and studied. So far, mostly due to the low number of specimens studied, no disabled bats were found so far.

System of permits or licences for sampling, ringing, killing of bats for scientific studies

☑ Exists

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: No permit regarding killing was issued

Azores Autonomous Region: No permit regarding killing was issued

Madeira Autonomous Region: Permits or licences are limited to sampling. So far no permits were submitted for

ringing. Bat killing for scientific purposes is not allowed, hence no permits with this aim exist. In Madeira

Autonomous Region no permits to kill bats were emitted.


2.Identified and protected sites which are important to the

conservation of bats

Click "expand" to see the questions!

Resolution 5.7. Guidelines for the protection of overground roosts, with particular

reference to roosts in buildings of cultural heritage importance

2.4. List of national important overground roosts (including legal/physical protection status)

☑ Doesn't exist

Comments

› Mainland Portugal: There is a list of known important roosts (over and undergound) annualy updated by ICNF

taking into consideration the results of the monitoring programme, but it doesn´t include information on

physical protection.

Madeira Autonomous Region: The list of overground sites is not updated since most known overground roosts

have been destroyed by the massive fires of 2010, 2012 and 2016 or destruction/improvement of buildings

and landscape changes. Hence it is urgent to assess and update the list of overground roosts.

2.5. National guidelines for custodians of historical buildings on the protection of bat roosts have been

developed

☑ No

2.6. Summary report on interactions between the relevant cultural and natural heritage agencies (attach a

file or provide a description)

› Mainland Portugal: When important roosts are located in built heritage, owners/administrators are contacted

in order to inform about the existance of the roost and to conciliate the presence of the bats and the use of

the space.

Azores Autonomous Region: No interactions have been undertaken between cultural and natural heritage

agencies in regard to bat roosts.

In Madeira Archipelago there aren't any cultural agencies focusing on bats and their roosts. This role is

exclusively attributed to natural heritage agencies.

Other activities carried out under this resolution (optional)

› Mainland Portugal:

The construction of the Baixo-Sabor dam by Energias de Portugal in Natura 2000 areas was authorized with

several compensatory measures included in the project. One measure was the rehabilitation of 4 traditional

dovecotes.

Compensatory measures for Foz Tua dam include 4 bat boxes (Texas Bat-Abode) were installed under bridges,

and 100 bat boxes (Schwegler 2F and 2FN) were placed in forest areas surrounding reservoir. Another

compensation measure for the construction of the Foz Tua Dam was the creation of the Regional Natural Park

of the Tua Valley. Within the conservation and sustainable development projects of the Park, the first to be

implemented was the agricultural and forest pest control by bats. Fifty wooden poles, with two bat boxes each

(in a total of 100) (Schwegler 2F and 2FN), were placed in vineyards, olive tree orchards or cork oak woods of

volunteer landowners. This took place in February of 2017, with the first bat being recorded in May, and the

occupancy rate rising rapidly throughout the year, reaching 80% by September with four different species,

Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. kuhlii, P. pygmaeus and Nyctalus leisleri, when the guano sample period ended. The

sampling has resumed in April of 2018, with a lower occupancy after hibernation, but is currently at 60%, with

several boxes having colonies of Pipistrellus spp up to 35 individuals and some with pups, providing a positive

outlook on the future of the project.

The Alqueva Multi-purpose Undertaking (EFMA) is based on the Alqueva dam, which creates the largest

strategic water reserve in Europe, the Alqueva reservoir. As compensation for the construction of the Alqueva

dam in 2015 and 2016, EDIA has installed 60 new bat boxes of three different models (Schwegler 2FN and

3FN, and handmade boxes using old tiles). Bat box monitoring indicates low occupation; in 2016 only 29 bat

boxes were in use. Pipistrellus spp has the high percentage of occupation. Not used boxes will be relocated to

other suitable areas.

The overground roosts occupied by important colonies of species with cave-dwelling habits (R. ferrumequinum

and R. hipposideros) are being monitored.

Resolution 7.6. Guidelines for the protection and management of important

underground habitats for bats

Updated counts of bats at each listed site are submitted to the Secretariat

☑ No

2.1. List of important underground sites


2.1. List of important underground sites for bats and measures of their protection (including Natura 2000,

Emerald or other status) was submitted to EUROBATS

☑ Yes

When the latest update was submitted?

› Mainland Portugal: 2014 (information until 2012)

Comments

› Azores Autonomous Region: An Inventory of the Azorean Speleological Heritage has been done, and none of

the caves is referred as bat roost (http://www.speleoazores.com/patrimonio.php).

Madeira Autonomous Region: Although several underground sites such as lava tubes, hollow lava flows and

basalt column crevices are plentiful on Madeira Island only a few have been assessed. The sampled sites are a

small fraction of possible underground sites in Madeira Archipelago, which are mostly inaccessible due to the

Island's topographic relief. Bats have been reported to leave lava tubes at dusk on Madeira Island and also a

few people have reported caves filled with bats years ago, although none was found so far.

2.2. Management of important underground sites for bats is in accordance with EUROBATS Publication n°2

☑ Yes

Comments

› Mainland Portugal: Yes

Madeira Autonomous Region: No. Underground sites are still not updated or evaluated. List should be

updated. Once the list is updated and important underground sites are found, management of these sites will

follow the established recommendations made by EUROBATS publication nº 2.

2.3. Other relevant activities for the protection of underground habitats


Compensation measures of the Baixo-Sabor dam included the protection of seven bat roosts in the nearby

Site of Community Importance “Minas de St. Adrião”. One roost is an important hibernating roost for dozens of

bats belonging to three species and another one is an important maternity roost for hundreds of bats of two

species. The other roosts shelter small numbers of bats of several species. These roosts are very accessible

and some of them are natural caves, a rare habitat in the region. Human disturbance could play an important

role in roosts occupancy. In 2016, the entrance of all 7 roosts was fenced to prevent people from going in.

During the construction of Alqueva dam some underground roosts were destroyed. With the intent to

minimize this negative impact, EDIA constructed two artificial underground roosts, which are classified as

National Important roosts due to their occupancy. Financed by the POCTEP Program (Spain-Portugal

Cooperation), EDIA has fenced these two roosts and another important roost near Alandroal in January 2016.

Monitoring showed that fences improved roosts conditions for bat populations, especially in the roost Moura III

where the numbers had increased exponentially.

Barrocal Site PTCON0049 (Natura 2000 Network) includes two local Protected Areas (Local Protected

Landscape Rocha da Pena and Local Protected Landscape Fonte Benémola). The Municipality of Loulé,

managing entity of these Protected Areas, fenced 3 caves occupied mainly by Miniopterus schreibersii and

Myotis blythii in 2014. Fences were financed by the Regional Operational Program of the Algarve. In 2018 and

in a joint effort between several entities (Municipality of Loulé, Institute of Nature Conservation and Forestry,

Portuguese Federation of Speleology, Geonauta Association and Association of Underground Studies and

Environmental Protection), it is planned to monitor roosts in all seasons.

Foz Tua dam construction works started in 2011, reservoir filling was concluded in 2017 and exploitation

phase has recently begun (2018). Under the environmental and post assessment process negative impacts for

the bats were identified, namely foraging areas and roosts (including deactivated railway tunnels used as

maternities). Compensatory measures include shrub removal at the entrances of 15 mines, 6 bat-friendly

gates and 1 fence. An experimental measure to improve a tunnel roost for bats in a deactivated ancient

railway section (construction of an attic to functioning as a bat shelter) was undertaken. The attic was

constructed in 2016, on named Remisquedo Tunnel, belonging to the ancient Mirandela-Bragança railway

deactivated.

Closure of inactive mine galleries for security reasons have used methods compatible with the continuation of

their use by bats (galleries colonized by important bat colonies are being closed leaving at least 30cm in top,

galleries used by some bats are being closed by bat-friendly gates with doors (to allow monitoring) and

galleries not used by bats are being closed by walls with large respiration holes 15x40cm (this will allow a

future colonization but not their monitoring). Vertical shafts are being protected with concrete slabs with large

respiration holes 15x40cm.

A close collaboration with the Portuguese Geocaching Association has allowed that caches placed in important

roosts have been managed taking the bats into consideration.

The time-table regarding the seasons when caves should not be visited due the presence of important bat

colonies was updated and an explanatory text about the criteria was prepared. It is presented in the website

of “Federação Portuguesa de Espeleologia” (http://www.fpe-

espeleo.org/index.php/component/content/article?id=30:abrigos-de).


Azores Autonomous Region: A proposal of Regional Legislative Decree is being discussed presently in the

Azores Regional Government for protection of the caves listed in the Inventory of the Azorean Speleological

Heritage.


3.Consideration given to habitats which are important to bats


Resolution 7.7. Bat conservation and sustainable forest management

National guidance has been developed based on the principles in the EUROBATS Bats and Forestry leaflet

☑ No

Examples of best practice for forest management are submitted to the Secretariat

☑ No

If no, provide explanations or give links to available examples

› Azores Autonomous Region: No available examples specifically regarding bats in forest management are

known. But there are several measures of ecossystem protection that also safeguard the bats, such as: when

the Government Forest Authorities perform the pre-operation evaluations and resource control surveys, there

is an item that has to do with the existence of "long-lived and cavernous trees" and with the need to

safeguard their permanence in places where forest management operations are being carried out, as they are

elements of the forest ecosystem that constitute hotspots of biodiversity.

Research in forest management that is sustainable for bats (attach file or provide links)

› Mainland Portugal: See Point 8 (papers and projects).

Madeira Autonomous Region: Studies are being made to find out which laurel forests (Laurissilva) species are

the most suited as bat roosts. Because most forests on the island are relatively young, not many pristine old

forest patches exist, therefore suitable forests for bats are not common. Pristine old suitable patches are

mostly inaccessible or are Natura 2000 protected areas.



Two schemes of sustainable forest management certification - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest

Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - started to be applied in Portugal in 2005 and

certified area has been increasing, surpassing 250,000 (march 2018) and 400,000 ha (May 2018) respectively.

These schemes include the identification of protected/threatened natural values and its protection,

emphasizing the integration of a specific indicator on the conservation of long-lived and cavernous trees,

especially important for forest bats, as well as the monitoring of the actions. FSC includes a specific attribute

on critical areas of seasonal use, taking into account particularly important areas during the breeding season

or the availability of food that provide in certain seasons.

Guidelines for the elaboration of forestry projects in classified areas for nature conservation were prepared in

2011. The purpose of this document is to assist owners, project designers and machine operators in the

development of forestry projects and implementation of forest operations, in view of its compatibility with

conservation of natural values. Issues such as new afforestation, brush clearing and the use of barbed wire

are covered in this document. Above a certain area (which varies by region of the country) privately owned

forests has to present a Forest Management Plan (FMP). When the forest holding overlaps with a classified

area for nature conservation the FMP must include a Biodiversity Management Program whose aim is to

ensure the compatibility and contribution of the interventions proposed in FMP to the conservation of

protected habitats and species - including bats - whose favorable conservation status relies upon forest

management.

A Best Practice Guide has been developed for SCI Monfurado and Cabrela, with the aim of supporting land

owners to preserve protected habitats and species. This guide has subsequently been adapted for all SCI in

Alentejo region, in order to support producers in their decisions to apply for assistance related to the

biodiversity conservation components of Community funds. The document contains a specific form of good

practice for "Maintenance and conservation of bat shelters", which should be applied in conjunction with

measures on food habitats, including in particular the "mosaic promotion", "Installation / improvement of

access to water points "and" Cleaning and maintenance of riparian galleries ". http://www.drapal.min-

agricultura.pt/drapal/images/servicos/Apoio_Zonal/ITI/GUIAO_BOAS_PRATICAS_GESTAO_MATOS_1.pdf.

Mainland Portugal’s rural development program includes roosts protecting compliance. The applicants who

commit voluntarily to agri-environmental and forest-environmental schemes, in Nature 2000 areas, must not

disturb or destroy the existing roosts. Non-productive investment support for maintaining traditional buildings

like watermills, traditional corrals and other old buildings used for roosting, as well as funding for correcting

field fences are also available.

Support is available for investments in forests which enhance the public amenity value of forest and wooded

land. Funding forest investment plans targeted to woodland management promoting adaptation to natural

conditions, protecting biodiversity and features like hedgerows, scattered bushes, indirectly protects bats

habitat.

An intervention plan for one SCI (Intervention Plan for the rural space of the SCI of Monfurado, http://www.cm-

montemornovo.pt/pmot/PIER/Relatorio.pdf) has already come into force. In this management plan several

conservation priority areas were defined and mapped, based on their value to bats, particularly forest bats.


Strict forest habitats and tree preservation measures were implemented within these areas: preservation of

riparian woodland, preservation of montado areas, limits to livestock density, promotion of ground cover

diversity, fire control, restriction to the use of barbed wire, and the preservation of drinking water sources.

Management plans are currently being developed for some SCI which will obviously include specific

conservation measures for this group, in particular in SCI containing roosts of national importance.

Azores Autonomous Region: There is a process of Forest Management System Certified by the FSC® initiative

since 2014, in the Forest Perimeter and Regional Forests of the Island of São Miguel (corresponding to the

public forest managed on this Island). In this process, bat monitoring is being done with acoustic surveys.

Madeira Autonomous Region: So far forestry management has not been coupled with bat ecology. Forests

management plans such as Laurissilva forests did not include bats, although these forests are crucial for bats

on the Island, chiefly the macaronesian endemic madeira pipistrelle Pipistrellus maderensis.

Resolution 7.8. Conservation and management of critical feeding areas, core areas

around colonies and commuting routes

Awareness of the importance of critical feeding areas, core areas around known colonies and commuting

routes for bats exists

☑ Yes

Give details of activities devoted to raising awareness

› Azores Autonomous Region: The Nature Rangers speak to the farmers and local populations to raise

awareness about the areas that are used by bats, and about what to do when they encounter bats and bat

colonies.

Measures to take bats into account in land use and planning decisions

☑ Yes

Measures, if yes

Describe these measures, please

› Mainland Portugal: Bat foraging habitats are generally considered when large development projects are

planned near important bat roosts or when within a Natura 2000 site. In these cases and when bat foraging

habitats are known in the area specific mitigation and mitigation measures are applied; otherwise general

good practices like preserving or recovering waterbodies, waterlines, riverine vegetation and native woods are

recommended.

Azores Autonomous Region: These measures are not specific for bats, but the Natura 2000 Network Sectorial

Plan is an instrument in land use planning that all public authorithies have to take into account in their

planning and management decisions.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No.

Research and monitoring to improve understanding of the use of landscape by bats are ongoing

☑ Yes

research, if yes

Please, specify or give referencies to studies


Azores Autonomous Region: The Nature Conservation Services of the Regional Government of the Azores

continue to carry out annually the acoustic monitoring of bat species, covering several types of landscape

types.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Sérgio Teixeira is collecting data for his PhD, mainly to find important feeding

areas, commuting routes and roosts. Some areas are identified, but funding would be fundamental to increase

the sampling effort.

National guidelines, drawing on the general guidance published in EUROBATS Publication have been

developed

☑ No



A good example of mitigation measures supported by the scientific knowledge are the ones taking place in

the area planned to be irrigated with the water of the large Alqueva reservoir. The area surrounds two major

underground bat roosts and a good knowledge of the foraging behaviour of the three most abundant species

allowed the implementation of some measures, namely: (a) In 2017 EDIA started to monitor bats activity on

Caliços-Machados irrigation area and in a control area, in the range of Moura I roost. Changes in land use are

expected after 2018, and it is intended to follow its potential impact to the bat communities. In 2017,


Pipistrellus kuhlii was the specie with more activity, but Miniopterus schreibersii also registered high activity in

both areas. Fewer records were registered for other important species such as Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, R.

mehelyi/euryale and Myotis myotis/blythii. (b) A new irrigation area is currently under analysis - Moura / Sto

Amador - and the reduction of parts of this area is under analysis justified by its use by foraging bats.

Measures that aim to reducing habitat homogeneity and the use of phytochemicals were also included.

As compensation for the construction of the Foz Tua Dam, native forest areas and riparian habitats benefit or

restoring actions have been promoted.

Compensation measures of the Baixo-Sabor dam also included some habitat interventions not specifically

designed for bats but still benefit for them. 68 ha of riparian vegetation and 220 ha of woodland vegetation

were planted and 14 ponds and 8 weir were constructed. Several species of bats were detected feeding in

these areas although trees are still very small. Pipistrellus species were the most common.

Madeira Autonomous Region: So far critical feeding areas, core areas around colonies and commuting routes

are still being assessed. Of the critical feeding areas found and not destroyed by the fires, some are located in

unprotected areas, but most areas are located within Natura 2000 SCI's and nearby areas. The guidelines for

the assessment and monitoring of bats within Natura 2000 areas is being discussed.


4. Activities to promote the awareness of the importance of

conservation of bats


4.1. International Bat Night. Give details for each year: number of events and number of people

participated

› Mainland Portugal: More than 60 events with more than 6000 participants (details in file

MainlandPortugalSensibilization).

Azores Autonomous Region: No events were promoted for the International Bat Night.

Madeira Autonomous Region: International Bat Night was organized by Madeira Fauna & Flora, a local

ecotourism company that organizes Bat watching activities to raise awareness and monitor bats. Although Bat

nights were organized several times, within the period of this report was only organized in September 2014

(about 30 participants).

4.2. Details of other important activities which are worth to mention (educational centres, etc.)


Alviela Ciência Viva Science Centre (“Carsoscópio”). The Centre is located in the proximities of one of the

country's most important maternity roosts and holds an interactive exhibit totally dedicated to bats – The

Quiroptário (http://www.alviela.cienciaviva.pt/home/). This interactive exhibition shows in an attractive and

unique way the importance of these animals in ecosystems and also the need of their conservation, by giving

to the nearly 20 000 annual visitors an opportunity to actively participate in acquiring knowledge by exploiting

interactive - exhibits. This Ciência Viva Science Centre also includes a Cave Bat Observatory composed by 4

infrared cameras placed in the inside of the cave which allows users to follow live, 24 hours per day the bat

colony that uses this cave as a maternity roost. This observatory aims to support scientific research and is

devoted to the appreciation and awareness for the conservation of Chiroptera, it allows to observe in a natural

shelter, 12 bats species and develop behavioral studies to determine the seasonal occupation of the roost,

determine when the births occur and the period that goes from the birth to the weaning and first flights of the

pups, describe roosting behaviour and the interaction among species that use the roost. In 2014/2015 the

Alviela Ciência Viva Science Centre carried out the project "As saudades que eu tinha da minha alegre

casinha" for the older students of Agrupamento de Escolas de Alcanena (60 participants). The aim of this

project was the awareness of the school community for the importance of bats in ecosystems and the need

for their conservation, and it included a challenge for the construction and decoration of bats boxes. About a

dozen works were exhibited in the Library of the High School of Alcanena and later in the Roque Gameiro

Museum (Minde). In 2017/2018 the Alviela Ciência Viva Science Centre carried out the project “Quiroptário

fora de portas”, financed by POSEUR, which had the main aim to develop information regarding the

awareness in bat conservation targeted to the school and youth community. It includes (a) a website

(www.conhecerosmorcegos.pt) where scientific information is available in various formats (informative texts,

videos, multimedia and teaching materials), (b) an interactive exhibit "Morcegos às claras" (exhibited in 15

schools, 3 Environmental Interpretation Centers, 4 Science Centers, receiving more than 50000 visitors), (c) a

children’s book "Vida de Morcego" (2000 books were printed and distributed free of charge to younger

students all over the country), and (d) scientific research camps for high school students, involving the active

participation of these students in field work sessions with researchers (140 participants).

Lousal Ciência Viva Science Centre. The Centre was built near an abandoned mine which includes a gallery

colonized by a maternity colony. The exhibition includes an interactive module on bats, containing short

documentaries, 2D games and quizzes. Its main objective is to introduce several aspects of bat biology and

ecology to the general public, and particularly to school communities, and to encourage an understanding of

these animals, and their important role in nature. Funded by “Agência Ciência Viva” and “Fundação Frédéric

Velge”.

EDIA prepared 2 documentaries: one regarding the artificial roost Alqueva

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v0cTx24wbo) and one on monitoring of bat-boxes

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX2ogqsNTqM).

A documentary on study and conservation of bats was produced. It is expected to show the film on TV and

later make it available online. An effort to prepare an English version is ongoing.

A blog about Portuguese Wildlife fauna exists (http://umdiadecampo.blogspot.com/). It is a space of

divulgation (biology, ecology, distribution and status conservation) and public opinion. It divulgates and gives

an important contribution to the knowledge of the Portuguese wildlife heritage, with a particular interest in

bats.

A facebook group to divulgate publications, curiosities and activities exists

(//www.facebook.com/groups/chiroptera.pt/).

Azores Autonomous Region: The educational services of the Azores Island Natural Parks promote every year in

their school program ("School Park") several activities related to bats (some of the titles are "the Azorean Bat

goes to your school"; "the forgetful bat"; "hands that fly"; "bats in the Botanical Garden"). In 2014/15 for 1233

students; in 2015/16 for 1077; in 2016/17 for 984 students; and in 2017/18 for 572 students so far (details in

file AzoresAutonomousRegionEnvironmentalEducation). A few bat walks were organized, in the summer of

2014 in São Miguel Island and in 2016 in Terceira Island, to general public and in partnership with local


municipalities. The educational sessions, both for schoolchildren and for the general population, discuss the

species present in the Azores archipelago, their ecological characteristics and their role in the Azorean insular

ecosystems, their threats, their legal protection and how the population should behave in relation to these

species, especially in situations of cohabitation and exclusion of bats in buildings. Azorean schools and

families are encouraged to build bat shelters and demonstration actions are carried out to build artificial

houses suitable for these species. One interview to the Director of Nature Conservation Services and

EUROBATS focal point in the Azores, Eng. Veríssimo, was published in 2016 in a Azorean newspaper, speaking

about the importance of bats and the work being done by the Azores Government to monitor these species.

The workshop given by Dr. Ana Rainho in 2012 for the Nature Rangers of the Azores Island Natural Parks was

repeated in 2016. In November 2017 the São Miguel Island Natural Park gave a lecture about the Azorean Bat,

in the Conference “XII Jornadas pela Conservação do Priolo”, organized by the NGO SPEA.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Several awareness articles have been in local newspapers and magazines. A

book funded by local Government about the archipelago's vertebrates was published . Public radio and

television conducted interviews to local bat researchers, as well as European Researchers’ Nights. Frequently

inquiries about bats and information about their importance to control pests and help farmers are made in

rural areas. Madeira Fauna & Flora is organizing groups of volunteers within the several municipalities of the

inhabited Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo to monitor bat activity within their boundaries throughout the

whole year. Training and Heterodine bat detectors are being provided by Madeira Fauna & Flora as well as

monitoring count sheets.

4.3. Information on training and awareness raising for forest managers and workers, farmers, road

workers, stakeholders involved in insulation of buildings, etc.


Pest control agencies were contacted in order to explain that bats cannot be harmed during their operations.

A workshop on Bat-boxes and Bat identification (basic notions) for EDIA´s technicians who monitor bat-boxes

and biologists who were accompanying the constructions near Alqueva Dam (15 participants) was given in

July 2015 by Luísa Rodrigues. Details on monitoring of bat-boxes were presented.

A training course on Bat Conservation for teachers and students (400 participants) was given by Carlos Pedro

Diogo Santos and Luzia Sousa in May 2016 in collaboration with FAPAS. It included bat identification session,

construction of bat-boxes in the school context, instructions for placement bat-boxes and motivating students

to follow up and monitor them, and a show open to the public with theater, songs and poems alluding to bats.

A course on bats (“The bat, prince Quiro”) for teachers was given in January, February and March 2017 (35

participants) by Virgínia Duro in collaboration with FAPAS. It included a talk on “bats from our cities", several

workshops "Construction of shelters", "Tile Painting", "Terracotta Costume Jewelry" and a guided visit to the

Center of Ciência Viva do Alviela. Aspects related to the operationalization of contents in the context of the

classroom were also discussed.

A workshop on bats (basic notions) for general public was given in April 2017 by Vanessa Mata in collaboration

with ATN (NGO). Mist nets were set at dusk to try to capture some individuals and a bat detector was used to

“listen” to bat activity. A nocturnal informal chat with the participants was kept under a starry sky and over

the medieval bridge of the “Calçada de Alpajares” in Ribeira do Mosteiro, a quite picturesque area of

northeastern Portugal. A general overview of bats was given, including myths, diversity, ecology, behavior,

role as ecosystem services providers, as well as sampling and monitoring techniques.

A workshop on Bats and caves (basic notions) for Portuguese Speleological Federation cavers (level III

students) (6 participants) was given in April 2017 by Pedro Alves. It was split in three parts: (1) General

overview of the bat world, including myths, diversity, ecology and behavior. Most common conservation issues

(special attention to cave-dwelling species) and the importance of bats in the ecosystems and human

economy, in international and National contexts. (2) Brief description of National cave-dwelling species. Brief

description of National Monitoring program of cave-dwelling species. (3) Bat constraints to caving. How cavers

should behave and what data to collect, when bats are found in caves.

A workshop on Bat identification for general public (27 participants) was given in October 2017 by Francisco

Amorim and Virgínia Duro. It was split in three parts: (1) General overview of the bat world, including diversity,

ecology and behaviour. Most common conservation issues and the important role of bats in the ecosystems, in

international and National contexts. Most common techniques on bats studies. (2) Morphological characters

used to identify bats, including ways to assess sex, reproductive status and age. Main features that allow to

identify families, genus and species occurring in Portugal. (3) Night walk to introduce various aspects of

echolocation and species identification through their vocalizations.

A workshop on Bat and Insects for families (40 participants) was given in November and December 2017 by

Virgínia Duro. In this workshop it was explored the relationship between bats and insects and the importance

that bats present to ecosystems.

A workshop on Bat and Bat-boxes for elementary school teachers (7 participants) was given in February 2018

by Virgínia Duro. It was split in three parts: (1) General overview of the bat world, including diversity, ecology

and behaviour. Most common conservation issues and the important role of bats in the ecosystems, in

international and National contexts. (2) Morphological characters used to identify bats and main features that

allow to identify families, genus and species occurring in Portugal. (3) Construction of bat-boxes in the school

context, instructions for placement bat-boxes and motivating students to follow up and monitor them.

A training course on Bat Conservation for teachers (15 participants) was given by Maria João Silva and Pedro


Alves in April 2018. It was split in three parts: (1) General overview of the bat world, including diversity,

ecology, behavior and the important role of bats in the ecosystems. (2) Presentation of the project

"Quiroptário fora de portas" (objectives, pedagogical contents and pedagogical resources for teachers),

accomplishment of several hands on activities based on the pedagogical resources available in the portal of

the project and discussion of strategies to be applied in the exploration of the programmatic contents

associated to these themes. (3) Night walk to observe bats and species identification through their

vocalizations. This activity was developed with the support of city hall of Arouca and the Arouca Geopark.

A workshop on Bat identification for University Volunteer Association (4 participants) was given in May 2018

by Virgínia Duro. It was split in three parts: (1) General overview of the bat world, including diversity, ecology

and behaviour. Most common conservation issues and the important role of bats in the ecosystems, in

international and National contexts. Most common techniques on bats studies. (2) Morphological characters

used to identify bats, including ways to assess sex, reproductive status and age. Main features that allow to

identify families, genus and species occurring in Portugal. (3) Night walk to introduce various aspects of

echolocation and species identification through their vocalizations.

A training course on Bat Conservation for teachers and students (200 participants) was given by Virgínia Duro

in May 2018, in Lousada. It included bat identification session, construction of bat-boxes in the school context,

instructions for placement bat-boxes and motivating students to follow up and monitor them, and a show

open to the public with theater, songs and poems alluding to bats.

A workshop on field technics and Bat identification was given in May by Francisco Amorim and Vanessa Mata,

as part of “Biodiversidade 100 por censo” (“Biodiversity 100 per census”), organized by ALDEIA (NGO) (35

participants). It was split in two parts: (1) Introduction to field technics, including bat recording with automatic

stations and handled bat detectors, and mist netting covering different aspects on how to handle bats and

which features to measure. (2) Introduction to species identification, including morphological and acoustic

identification.

Azores Autonomous Region: No specific training was organized for these audiences.

Madeira Autonomous Region: This necessity has been identified and local authority on Nature conservation

(IFCN) and it is considering to provide training to local forestry police. In relation to farmers, the biology

department of the University of Madeira is starting a project to educate farmers to the importance of bats to

farmland and pest control.

Resolution 4.11. Recognising the important role of NGOs in bat conservation

4.4. Details of NGOs participating in /contributing to bat protection and most valuable activities that have

the potential to substantially improve transboundary cooperation and mutual assistance


Born in 1997 to explore study and protect Sicó-Alvaiázere Karst Massif, Grupo Protecção Sicó (GPS) is a

regional NGO (since 2012) that has an important role on studying and protecting bats and bats roost, from

this and other karst regions. GPS is an active member of the national programme to monitor cave-dwelling

species, with more than 100 visits in the last 4 years at several roosts. It also promotes several bat nights and

other bat related lectures, and regularly helps bat researchers in their field work. ([email protected])

FAPAS is a non-governmental, non-profit organization created in 1990 by people with long experience in the

field of nature conservation, which is dedicated to the promotion of actions aimed at the protection and

recovery of wild fauna and flora. It has promoted several Nature Conservation projects, such as the

reforestation of burned areas in Gerês, Côa and Serra da Estrela, the intervention in areas such as our land in

the Peneda-Gerês National Park, in our land inserted in the Reserve of the Faia Brava (Côa valley), in the Ciba

Orchid Reserve, Sicó / Alvaiázere, in the colony of São Vicente kennels, Beja, or multiple interventions to

recover dune vegetation, often using voluntary work. In addition to the dynamization of conservation projects

and the monitoring of major national themes, training was, from the outset, a strong commitment, achieved

through the publication of field guides and other educational materials, with a strong interaction with schools,

with the promotion of accredited training for primary and secondary school teachers, as well as organizing

congresses, seminars, lectures and field trips. It also promotes several bat nights and other lectures related to

bats. ([email protected])

Azores Autonomous Region: The Azorean group of the National NGO "Quercus" worked in 2017 in the

production of a leaflet about the Azorean Bat, but it was not yet released to the public. The Azorean group of

the National NGO "Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves" (known as SPEA), through the project LIFE

Terras do Priolo (2013 until 2019) promotes the protection of all resident species in the native forest in

Nordeste, São Miguel Island, and has a specific reference to the protection of the Azorean Bat in their

permanent exhibition at the Environmental Centre (Centro Ambiental do Priolo).

Madeira Autonomous Region: Although Madeira Fauna & Flora is a private company and not an NGO, it runs a

bat monitoring scheme using volunteer students and tourists and is also organizing groups of volunteers to

monitor bat activity and conduct inquiries to find new or unknown colonies. This company is providing free

training and bat detectors to volunteers. ([email protected])


5. Additional actions undertaken to safeguard populations of bats


Resolution 2.2. Consistent monitoring methodologies

5.1. Implementation of EUROBATS guidelines published in EUROBATS Publication n°5 to ensure consistency

and information exchange between Parties and Range States

☑ Yes

Please give details

› Mainland Portugal: Yes. Since 1987 there has been a programme to monitor cave-dwelling species. Maternity

and hibernation underground roosts considered being of National importance and some buildings that harbour

important colonies of "cave-dwelling species" such as R. ferrumequinum and R. hipposideros are monitored, in

a total of around 50 places each season. Observations inside the roosts are done, counting the individuals or

estimating the area of the colonies (visually and with photographs), using the methods described for M.

myotis/blythii and M. schreibersii in Resolution 2.2 and recommended by EUROBATS Publication Series nº 5.

These methods can be successfully applied to R. euryale, R. mehelyi, M. myotis, M. blythii and M. schreibersii,

which are very faithful to their roosts and hang from the ceiling, making the observations very reliable. In the

case of R. ferrumequinum and R. hipposideros, there are more problems since they use many roosts to breed,

in small numbers. Even during the winter, when they are expected to use only underground sites, they are not

as philopatric as other species. In the case of M. escalerai and M. emarginatus, although most maternity

colonies are known in underground roosts, since normally they use hidden places (especially M. escalerai),

very often they are not observable inside. Often, only the capture of flying juveniles enables the identification

of maternity sites.

Azores Autonomous Region: Monitoring of bat populations is conducted by the Environmental Autorithies with

ultrasound detectors, every summer since 2012.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Because Madeira Archipelago and the other macaronesian archipelagos were

out of the geographical range of the agreement, EUROBATS guidelines were not used. After the entry in the

agreement, no monitoring actions were executed by Local Focal point or nature conservation authorities. In

the future, monitoring of Natura 2000 areas will consider EUROBATS guidelines for monitoring and data

collection.

Resolution 5.4. Monitoring bats across Europe

5.11. Involvement in a long-term pan-European surveillance to provide trend data

☑ Yes

Involvement details

Please, give details of involvement

› Mainland Portugal: Yes. Participation in the project “Streamlining European Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI):

Development of a prototype indicator of European bat population trends”, providing hibernation data; the

output was the paper by Van der Meij et al. (2015; see Point 8 - papers and projects). Currently, data on

monitoring is being updated in order to update the indicator.

Azores Autonomous Region: No.


Awareness-raising of the importance of underground sites

☑ Yes

Collaboration and information exchange with other Parties and range states on surveillance and monitoring

activities

☑ Yes

Please provide details

› Mainland Portugal: Cooperation with Spain regarding the share of information about recaptured bats is being

carried out.

5.14. Monitoring bats in accordance with EUROBATS Publication n°5

☑ Yes

5.15. Capacity building of bat workers and surveyors to support the undertaking of bat surveillance

projects

☑ Exists

Other activities under Resolution 5.4.


› Azores Autonomous Region: Since the first course in 2012, the Environmental Autorithies organized a second

course in 2016, about monitoring with ultrasound detectors, for the Nature Rangers that work in the Azores

Natural Island Parks.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No awareness-raising, no collaboration and information exchange, no

monitoring bats in accordance to Publ. 5, no capacity building.

Resolution 6.6. Guidelines for the prevention, detection and control of lethal fungal

infections in bats

5.17. Surveillance for the presence of fungal infections

☑ Yes

Please provide details

› Mainland Portugal: Relevant information on fungal infection in bats has been forwarded to investigators,

technicians doing field work and speleologists. Particular care is being taken regarding the identification of

signs of potential fungal infection in bats during field work. Regarding research, see Point 8 (papers and

projects).



Resolution 6.13. Bats as indicators for biodiversity

5.19. Does your country support a development of national, regional and pan-European biodiversity

indicators for appropriate target audiences, using bat data

☑ No

5.20. Bat data is incorporated within high profile national multi-taxa indicators

☑ No

5.22. Cooperation platforms that facilitate the required data exchange

☑ Don't exist

Resolution 7.5. Wind turbines and bat populations

5.2. Raising awareness on the impact of turbines on bats and the existence of some unsuitable habitats or

sites for construction

☑ Yes

If yes, how?

› Mainland Portugal: Using a mailing list (promoters, companies in charge of monitoring programs, bat

experts, environmental authorities), information on the impacts that some wind farms may have on bat

populations has been circulated (including papers, EUROBATS guidelines, IWG on WT´s reports).


Madeira Autonomous Region: Information was provided to main wind turbine investors about their effects on

local fauna including bats. Therefore wind turbine farms were built on the areas less prone to cause damage

on local bat populations.

5.3. Pre-construction impact assessments, if possible, undertaken by suitably experienced bat experts

☑ Yes

Please, give details

› Mainland Portugal: Since authorities evaluate impact assessments, poor quality reports (done by non-

experienced persons) are revised and sometimes refused. This procedure has increased the quality of the field

work and reports.

Azores Autonomous Region: The construction of wind power for electricity production is subject to

Environmental Impact Assessment, depending on their size and location, according to the Legal regime of

impact assessment and environmental licensing, by the Regional Legislative Decree Nº. 30/2010/A of

November 15th, specifically in the Annex II.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Within the period covered by this report, all pre-construction impact

assessments were conducted by experts hired by companies specialized on biodiversity monitoring and

assessments. All bat experts of the companies that undertook these assessment actions collected data using

bat detectors, recorded bat echolocation calls and made sound analysis using specific software. Reports with

collected data on the assessments were published as required by national law. In these reports, name of

experts and data analysis methodology is provided as well as main conclusions on bat use of the habitats

within the assessed area prior to construction.


5.4. National guidelines were developed following Eurobats Pub. No. 6

☑ Yes

Please, attach a file or or provide a link

› Mainland Portugal: http://www2.icnf.pt/portal/pn/biodiversidade/patrinatur/resource/docs/Mam/morc/2018-

03-19-recomendacoes-parques-eolicos-out2017.pdf

National guidelines are implemented

☑ Yes

Please, provide implementation details

› Mainland Portugal: Guidelines for consideration of bats in monitoring programs of wind turbines projects

(first version prepared in 2004) were updated with some aspects referred in EUROBATS Publication Series nº

6. The draft proposal was discussed with promoters, companies in charge of monitoring programs, bat experts

and environmental authorities, and is online

(http://www.icnf.pt/portal/naturaclas/patrinatur/resource/docs/Mam/morc/morc-recom-p-eolic).

Recommendations are followed in most projects, inside and outside classified areas.

Azores Autonomous Region: No National guidelines developed accordingly to Publ 6.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No National guidelines developed accordingly to Publ 6.

5.5. Investigations and research for mitigating bat mortality have been undertaken

☑ Yes

Please, list references, attach reports and articles


Azores Autonomous Region: No investigations and research.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No investigations and research. Despite the large increase of wind turbines,

most parks have implemented monitoring of bat activity around wind turbines and search for dead specimens.

A global assessment should be made on existing parks and research on areas of potential new parks should

be made at least a whole year before construction.

5.6. Additional information on research on the impact of wind turbines on bat populations

List new references, attach reports or articles

› Mainland Portugal: See Point 8 (papers and projects)

Madeira Autonomous Region: Despite the large increase of wind turbines, most parks have implemented

monitoring of bat activity around wind turbines and search for dead specimens. A global assessment should

be made on existing parks and research on areas of potential new parks should be made at least a whole year

before construction.

5.7. Post-construction monitoring, if possible, is undertaken by suitably experienced bat experts

If yes, give details

☑ Yes

› Mainland Portugal: See 5.3.

Azores Autonomous Region: Post-construction monitoring is obligatory when the pre-construction impact

assessments detect important bat use of the area. There is a recent example, not of a Wind Power Plant, but

of a Geothermal Power Plant constructed in Terceira Island, where bat monitoring is being done as

postconstruction monitoring, by the Research group on Applied Ecology of the University of the Azores.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Typically, companies that assess habitat use on pre-construction also continue

to do so during construction and post-construction stages. Several have used experienced bat experts that

monitor, record and analyze bat echolocation sounds using bat detectors and specific sound analysis

software, assessing the use of the area given by bats after the construction. Data and reports allow

comparability between the different stages of the wind farm undertaking.

5.8. Raw data from environmental impact assessment and post-construction monitoring is available for

independent scientific analysis

☑ No

5.9. Blade feathering, higher cut-in wind speeds and shutting down turbines are used to reduce or avoid

bat mortality

☑ Yes

Please, provide details

› Mainland Portugal: Due to close locations regarding important underground roosts, two projects were

authorized with cut-in speed increased. A project including 7 turbines, one located 158 m from one important


hibernating roost (around 4000 Miniopterus schreibersii and 150 R. ferrumequinum), was authorized with cut-

in speed increased to 5 m/s in October, November, December, March and April. A project including 4 turbines

located less than 7 km from the most important underground roost known in mainland, occupied all over year

by many thousands of bats of several species, was authorized with cut-in speed increased to 3.3 m/s.

Azores Autonomous Region: No mitigation measures.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No mitigation measures.

Other activities carried out under Resolution 7.5 (optional)

› Madeira Autonomous Region: Recommendation was made for monitoring companies to identify the experts,

equipment, recordings and data analysis software used during each monitoring campaign. Additional

recommendations were made that all data collected during monitoring made on wind turbines has to be

submitted to local EUROBATS Focal point.

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: Although raw data is not available, all reports are available (some online).

Madeira Autonomous Region: Traditionally, because in mainland areas bats hibernate during winter,

monitoring plans used in mainland are also applied to Madeira archipelago and monitoring is made every

trimester, every semester or once per year. However due to the archipelago mild climate, bats are active

throughout the year and hence in Madeira archipelago wind turbine monitoring should be made at least 6

months per year or during the whole year in areas with higher activity.

Resolution 7.9. Impact of roads and other traffic infrastructures on bats

5.23. Bats are taken into account during the planning, construction and operation of roads and other

infrastructure projects

☑ Yes

Please give details or attach a file with description

› Mainland Portugal: Yes. A characterization of the bat fauna is required in Environmental Assessments. If

important roosts exist or are found close to the infrastructure projects, a monitoring programme is required.

Azores Autonomous Region: Not specifically bats, but biodiversity in general is evaluated in Environmental

Impact Assessment, which is mandatory.


5.24 Pre-construction strategic and environmental impacts assessment procedures are mandatory

☑ Are mandatory

5.25. Post-construction monitoring

☑ Required occasionally

5.26. Raw data from environmental impact assessment and post-construction monitoring is available for

independent scientific analysis

☑ No

5.27. Research into the impact of new and, where appropriate, existing roads and other infrastructure on

bats and into the effectiveness of mitigation measures

☑ Yes

Please list references, attach documents or provide links




5.28. National guidelines are developed

☑ No

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: Although raw data is not available, all reports are available (some online).

Resolution 7.10. Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation

5.29. Animal rescue and rehabilitation systems are effective in the country

☑ Yes

5.30. Collaboration between bat rehabilitators and scientists

☑ Exists


Provide examples of collaboration

› Mainland Portugal: When bat rehabilitators receive animals, generally communicate to ICNF and keep in

touch. A file with details of injured bats is regularly updated.

Azores Autonomous Region: The wildife rehabilitation Centres will contact scientists and the Environmental

Authorities in case of any bat being delivered at the Centres.This already occurs frequently with birds, but no

bat rehabilitation cases ocurred so far in the Azores.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No effective system and no collaboration.

5.31. Bat rehabilitators contribute their data to a national database

☑ Yes

Please provide information about this database

› Mainland Portugal: Details on the location of injured bats is sent to ICNF, in order to be included in the

database of bats observations.

Resolution 7.11. Bats and building insulation

5.34. Impacts on bats are included in the environmental assessment of insulation programs

☑ Yes

Other activities carried out under Resolution 7.11 (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: Very few situations regarding conflicts with bats are known. When it was impossible to

maintain the bats, a licence to exclude them before sealing the entrances was provided. Situations are

generally followed by rangers or accredited professionals.

Azores Autonomous Region: Impacts on bats are included in the environmental assessment of insulation

programs. Very few situations regarding conflicts with bats are known. Situations are generally followed by

rangers to make sure that no bats are harmed.

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: There is no official program, but insulation of buildings is common. There are no

regulation or national guidelines regarding the need of surveys prior to insulation of a building.

Madeira Autonomous Region: No conflicts between insulation regulations and bat conservation. Because

Madeira Islands have a mild climate, most buildings are not insulated, therefore insulation is not a problem for

bat populations.

Resolution 7.12. Priority species for autecological studies

Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1866

Some studies have been conducted (are ongoing) for this species in the country

☑ No

Eptesicus isabellinus (Temminck, 1840)


☑ Yes

Studies on:

Winter

roosts

Summer

roosts

Swarming

sites

Migratio

n

Spatial and habitat

use

Foraging

behaviour

Die

t

Yes ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☑

No ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐ ☑ ☐

Please add below or attach a list of references


Myotis escalerai Cabrera, 1904


☑ Yes

Studies on:


Winter

roosts

Summer

roosts

Swarming

sites

Migratio

n

Spatial and habitat

use

Foraging

behaviour

Die

t

Yes ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐

No ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐ ☑ ☑



Nyctalus azoreum (Thomas, 1901)


☑ Yes

Studies on:

Winter

roosts

Summer

roosts

Swarming

sites

Migratio

n

Spatial and habitat

use

Foraging

behaviour

Die

t

Yes ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐

No ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐ ☑ ☑


› Azores Autonomous Region: Not published yet.

Nyctalus lasiopterus (Schreber, 1780)


☑ Yes

Studies on:

Winter

roosts

Summer

roosts

Swarming

sites

Migratio

n

Spatial and habitat

use

Foraging

behaviour

Die

t

Yes ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐

No ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐ ☑ ☑



Pipistrellus hanaki Hulva & Benda, 2004


☑ No

Pipistrellus maderensis (Dobson, 1878)


☑ Yes

Studies on:

Winter

roosts

Summer

roosts

Swarming

sites

Migratio

n

Spatial and habitat

use

Foraging

behaviour

Die

t

Yes ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐ ☑ ☑ ☐

No ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑ ☐ ☐ ☑


› Azores Autonomous Region: Data on spatial and habitat use, not published yet.

Madeira Autonomous Region: Data on foraging behaviour, spatial and habitat use, swarming sites, summer

roosts and winter roosts are being collected for a PhD Thesis, but still not published.


Plecotus kolombatovici Dulic, 1980


☑ No

Plecotus sardus Mucedda, Kiefer, Pidinchedda & Veith, 2002


☑ No

Plecotus teneriffae Barrett-Hamilton, 1907


☑ No


6. Recent and ongoing programmes (including research and policy

initiatives) relating to conservation and management of bats


Resolution 2.3. Transboundary programme: species proposals

6.1. Inclusion of Myotis dasycneme and Pipistrellus nathusii in transboundary cooperation

☑ No

Comments (optional)

› Species not present in Portugal

Resolution 2.4. Transboundary programme: habitat proposals

6.2. National research on underground sites has been undertaken since the last reporting

☑ Yes

Please list references

› Mainland Portugal: See point 8 (papers and projects).



6.3. National research on bats in forests

☑ Yes


› Mainland Portugal: See point 8 (papers and projects).



Resolution 5.2. Bat rabies in Europe

6.5. National bat rabies surveillance network

☑ No

6.6. Vaccination against rabies is compulsory

☑ No

6.7. Details of the institution(s) in charge of recording of all test results and their submission to the World

Health Organisation

› Mainland Portugal: Direcção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (Campo Grande 50,

1700-093 Lisboa, Portugal, +351213239500, [email protected])

Azores Autonomous Region: Direção Regional da Agricultura (Vinha Brava - Posto Santo, 9701-861 Angra do

Heroísmo; Terceira, Açores; +351292404200; [email protected])

6.8. Other activities carried out under this resolution (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: A passive surveillance is being carried out. Samples were collected in different

geographical points of the territory. All samples tested negative by RT-PCR for classical rabies and rabies-

related bat lyssaviruses: 10 brain (dead M. daubentonii), 419 oral swabs (M. schreibersii, M. bechsteinii, M.

blythii, M. daubentonii, M. escalerai, M. myotis, P. pygmaeus, R. euryale, R. ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros, R.

mehelyi), 32 guano (M. schreibersii, M. blythii, M. daubentonii, M. myotis, R. euryale, R. ferrumequinum, R.

hipposideros, R. mehelyi) (details in file MainlandPortugalRabies). All bat workers are advised to handle bats in

the expectation that they may have rabies and are encouraged to get rabies vaccinations and to use gloves.

Resolution 6.5. Guidelines on ethics for research and field work practices

6.9. National Code of Practice that addresses the context and legitimacy of acquisition, due diligence, long-

term care, documentation, relevance and institutional aims

☑ Doesn't exist

6.10. Other activities carried out under this resolution (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: This Resolution was divulgated among investigators from Universities and Natural History

Museums and technicians who are doing field work.


Resolution 6.8. Monitoring of daily and seasonal movements of bats

Please select a species for which a research in daily/seasonal movements has been conducted from the

list

Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800)

New data on daily movements was obtained

☑ Yes

Please attach a list of references

› Mainland Portugal: Non published data.

New data on seasonal movements was obtained

☑ Yes



Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)


☑ No


☑ Yes



Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: Banding is being done accordingly to Resolution 4.6.

Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)


☑ No


☑ Yes



Comments (optional)


Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)


☑ No


☑ Yes



Comments (optional)


Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814)


☑ Yes





☑ Yes




7. Consideration being given to the potential effects of pesticides

on bats, and their food sources and efforts to replace timber

treatment chemicals which are highly toxic to bats


Resolution 4.5. Guidelines for the use of remedial timber treatment

7.1. Small projects to provide basic data to allow an assessment of the potential impact of industry on bat

populations

☑ No

7.2. Raising awareness of product users is taking place

☑ No

7.3. Legislation on products which have any adverse effects on bats

☑ Doesn't exist

Comments (optional)

› Mainland Portugal: Remedial Timber Treatment is not commonly used in mainland Portugal.

Resolution 6.15. Impact on bat populations of the use of antiparasitic drugs for

livestock

7.4. Efficient non-chemical methods to control livestock parasites and use of products of least toxicity to

non-target species implemented

☑ Yes

Please give details

› Mainland Portugal: Antiparasitics are veterinary medicinal products. A medicinal product is any substance, or

combination of substances, presented as possessing curative or preventive properties for diseases in animals

or their symptoms, or which may be used or administered to the animal for the purpose of establishing a

medical-veterinary diagnosis or, pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action, to restore, correct or

modify physiological functions. The active substances can be: (i) human, such as human blood and products

derived from human blood; (ii) animal, such as micro-organisms, whole animals, portions of organs, animal

secretions, toxins, substances obtained by extraction, blood products; (iii) vegetable, such as micro-

organisms, plants, parts of plants, vegetable secretions, substances obtained by extraction; (iv) chemistry, as

well as elements, natural chemical materials and processing and synthetic chemicals. Law Decree nº

148/2008 of 29 July, as amended by Law Decree Nº 314/2009 of 28 October, provides for the authorization of

herbal veterinary medicinal products including a simplified authorization when several criteria are met.

However there aren´t any herbal veterinary medicinal products authorized in Portugal due to lack of

submissions by the companies. Biocidal products are classified into 22 biocidal product-types, grouped in four

main areas. PT (product type) 19 are Repellents and attractants, used to control harmful organisms

(invertebrates such as fleas, vertebrates such as birds, fish, rodents), by repelling or attracting, including

those that are used for human or veterinary hygiene either directly on the skin or indirectly in the

environment of humans or animals. There are some PT 19 Repellents and attractants from herbal origin

authorized.

Azores Autonomous Region: There is animal production in the Azores with alternative therapies. Their use is

still residual but the number of organic producers in the region is increasing. There are already producers of

meat certified in Organic Production Mode in the islands of Faial and São Jorge, and in Terceira there are dairy

farms in conversion to Organic Production Mode. In São Miguel there is also a project under study for the

production of organic milk. In these cases, the European Regulations of biological production are followed:

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) Nº 834/2007 of 28th June 2007 and COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) Nº 889/2008

of 5th September 2008.


7.5. Research on the use of antiparasitic drugs

☑ Yes


› Mainland Portugal: According to Law Decree nº 148/2008 of 29 July, as amended by Law Decree nº 314/2009

of 28 October, the technical-scientific evaluation of veterinary medicinal products is intended to guarantee

the quality, Safety and efficacy of medicinal products placed on the market on the basis of strict technical and

scientific criteria, applicable legislation and standards, in particular those published by Eudralex and in the

European Medicines Agency (EMA). The evaluation is carried out by experts from the Pharmaceutical,


Preclinical, Clinical, Safety and Environmental Risk Assessment. Experts are responsible for assessing

potential effects and, above all, risks to public and animal health and the environment. The environmental risk

assessment of the veterinary medicinal product involves, as a first step, the estimation of the concentration of

the active substance and its excipients in the environment and, depending on the results of this first

approach, the assessment of its destination and effects on the trophic system. A summary of the

characteristics of the medicinal product (SPC), which reflects all the conclusions of the evaluation, is agreed,

with the inclusion of safety sentences, where applicable, in particular in the adverse reaction items (4.6);

Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from

the use of such products (6.6), Special precautions for use (4.5), pharmacological (immunological) and

5.Pharmacological Properties <Environmental properties>.


Madeira Autonomous Region: No

7.6. Recommendations in Annex I to the Resolution 6.15 are adopted

☑ Yes

7.7. Other activities carried out under this resolution

› Mainland Portugal: With regard to the recommendation of Resolution 6.5 - Impact on Bat populations of the

use of antiparasitic drugs for livestock, in order to maintain an up-to-date list of approved veterinary

medicinal products, where are included anti-parasites for farm animals, DGAV (General Directorate of Food

and Veterinary) created the MEDVET platform. MEDVET it is a research platform that aims to make available to

the user, data related to Veterinary Medicines, as well as the approved summary of the characteristics of the

medicinal product (SPC) [email protected]. The other recommendation of Resolution 6.5 - Impact on Bat

populations of the use of antiparasitic drugs for livestock is the use of non-chemical treatments, in particular

the use of herbal medicines. Regarding this recommendation, Law Decree nº 148/2008 of 29 July as amended

by Law Decree nº 314/2009 of 28 October, in Article 87, provides the authorization of veterinary herbal

medicinal products including a simplified authorization scheme provided, when several criteria are met.


Madeira Autonomous Region: No


8. Further important activities to share with other Parties and

Range States

Give details or provide links

› Mainland Portugal: List of publications, including summaries for unpublished projects (file

MainlandPortugalPublicationsProjects).

Madeira Autonomous Region: Although scarce, there were a few publications about bats between 2015 and

2018, as listed below:

Rocha R. 2015. Look what the cat dragged in: Felis silvestris catus as predators of insular bats and instance of

predation on the endangered Pipistrellus maderensis. Barbastella, 8: 4 pp.

Teixeira, S. 2017. Relatório de Monitorização da Componente Quirópteros no Projecto de Ampliação do

Aproveitamento Hidroeléctrico da Calheta - Fase Pré-Obra, Madeira Fauna & Flora, Funchal. 9 pp.


MainlandPortugalSensibilization

Date Name (Local) Participants Monitor Organization / Support

May 2014 Night predators 35 Maria João Silva Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela

May 2014 Bat Night (Porto) 50 Luzia Sousa AAOUP

June 2014 Mito e Realidade (Santa Maria da Feira) 30 Luzia Sousa FAPAS

June 2014 Bat Night (Porto) 60 Luzia Sousa EB 2/3 Paranhos

June-October 2014 Bats in the Castle (Lisboa) 240Margarida Augusto, Mário Carmo, Paula

RosaNATUGA

July-August 2014 Bat Night - Ciência Viva no Verão (Alcanena) 202 Maria João Silva Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela

June 2014

MISTÉRIOS DA NOITE DE COIMBRA

Workshop de identificação e conservação de

morcegos

35 Milene Matos Living Place - Animação Turística

July 2014Workshop de identificação e conservação de

morcegos (Parque do Buçaquinho, Ovar)25 Milene Matos Parque Buçaquinho; Câmara Municipal de Ovar

August 2014Discovering the Bats of the Region of Barroso/Gerês

(Montalegre)15 Sergio Bruno Ribeiro

Biomater; Centro Ciência Viva Bragança; Agência

Ciência Viva; Ecomuseu de Barroso; Município de

Montalegre

August 2014 European Bat Night 18 Luzia Sousa Museu de História Natural da U.Porto

August 2014 8th Pombal Bat Night (Pombal) 36 Pedro Alves Grupo Protecção Sicó; Plecotus

September 2014 Bat Night (Porto) 30 Luzia Sousa FAPAS (Ciência Viva, Biologia no Verão)

September 2014Os morcegos: porque são nossos

amigos? (Canelas, Estarreja)24 Milene Matos União das Freguesias de Canelas e Fermelã

October 2014 Bat Night (Porto) 41 Luzia Sousa Câmara Municipal do Porto

October 2014 Night of the creatures from the dark (Coimbra) unk Pedro Alves

Núcleo de Estudantes de Biologia, Associação

Académica de Coimbra; Grupo Protecção Sicó;

Plecotus

November 2014 Bat Night (Porto) 13 Luzia Sousa Câmara Municipal do Porto

November 2014Os morcegos: porque são nossos

amigos? (Aveiro)100 Milene Matos Agrupamento de Escolas da Gafanha da Nazaré

June-October 2015 Bats in the Castle (Lisboa) 210Margarida Augusto, Mário Carmo, Paula

RosaNATUGA

May 2015Workshop Identificação e

Conservação de Morcegos (Vagos)27 Milene Matos Associação Charcos e Companhia

July-August 2015 Bat Night - Ciência Viva no Verão (Alcanena) 170 Maria João Silva Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela



September 2015 3rd Caldas da Rainha Bat Night (Caldas da Rainha) 80 Pedro Alves

Grupo Protecção Sicó; Direcção Regional de

Cultura do Centro Museu José Malhoa; União das

Freguesia das Caldas da Rainha – Nossa Sª do

Pópulo, Coto e São Gregório; Plecotus; Florista

Aroma do Campo

September 2015 Bioblitz >1000Hugo Rebelo, Francisco Amorim, Helena

Santos, Vanessa MataSerralves

April 2016Bat Night - FAPAS/Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela

(Alcanena)70 Maria João Silva

FAPAS; Câmara Municipal de Alcanena; Centro

Ciência Viva do Alviela

April 2016 Bat Night - SPECO (Alcanena) 10 Ana Rainho, Mª João Silva cE3c/FCUL, Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela

May-September 2016 Bat Night - Ciência Viva no Verão (Alcanena) 378Maria João Silva, Patricia Silva, Verónica

PaivaCentro Ciência Viva do Alviela

May 2016

Talk “De bestas a bestiais num bater de asas:

Promover a conservação de morcegos

através de ações informais de educação

ambiental.”Conservation Day (Aveiro)

40 Milene Matos Society for Conservation, Universidade de Aveiro

May 2016 International Biodiversity Day (Alcanena) 22 Maria João Silva Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela, Charcos com vida

May 2016 Alte Bat Night (Loulé) 80 José Gabriel Mendes, Carlos Oliveira Câmara Municipal de Loulé; Junta de freguesia

de Alte; Quinta da Regaleira; Geonauta

June 2016 BioBlitz - Monsanto (Lisboa) 15 Ana Rainho, Jorge M. Palmeirim Câmara Municipal Lisboa, cE3c/FCUL

June-October 2016 Bats in the Castle (Lisboa) 300Bárbara Monteiro, Gonçalo Duarte, Paula

RosaBiota


September 2016 Bat Night (Lousada) 52 Milene MatosAssociação BioLiving; Câmara Municipal de

Lousada



September 2016 European Researchers’ Night (Alcanena) unk Pedro Alves, Francisco Amorim Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela; Plecotus; CIBIO


October-November 2016

Night of the creatures from the dark (Albergaria-a-

Velha, Alcanena, Aveiro, Braga, Cantanhede,

Condeixa, Évora, Porto, Proença-a-Nova, Seixal,

Verdizela)

400

Margarida Augusto, Mª João Silva, Milene

Matos, Nuno Pinto, Pedro Alves, Sílvia

Barreiro, Vanessa Mata

Associação Charcos & Companhia; Associação

BioLiving; Associação Portuguesa de

Herpetologia; Associação Portuguesa de

Educação Ambiental; Centro Ciência Viva do

Alviela; Centro Ciência Viva da Floresta; Charcos

com Vida; Centro Interdisciplinar de

Investigação; Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade

do Porto; Grupo Flamingo; Grupo Protecção Sicó;

Plecotus; Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Aveiro;

Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem;

Universidade de Évora

January 2017 The bat, prince Quiro (Porto) 35 Virgínia Duro FAPAS; Museu Soares dos Reis

February 2017Ação de sensibilização para professores

– conservação de morcegos 24 Milene Matos Associação BioLiving; FAPAS

April 2017 Bats in the Wild (Regoufe) 30 Pedro Alves Associação Geoparque Arouca; Plecotus

May-August 2017 Bat Night - Ciência Viva no Verão (Alcanena) 432Maria João Silva, Patricia Silva, Verónica

PaivaCentro Ciência Viva do Alviela

May 2017 Bats in the Wild (Leiria) 40 Pedro AlvesCentro de Interpretação Ambiental de Leiria;

Plecotus

May 2017 Apolinario Bat Night (Porto) 37 Luzia Sousa; Luis Monteiro; Ana Luisa Câmara Municipal do Porto

June-October 2017 Bats in the Castle (Lisboa) 300Bárbara Monteiro, Gonçalo Duarte, Paula

RosaBiota

June 2017 exhibit "Morcegos às Claras"_ opening (Lisboa) 80 Luisa Rodrigues, Paula RobaloCentro Ciência Viva do Alviela; ICNF; Pavilhão do

Conhecimento

June 2017Tróia (Morcegário - overground replacement bat

roost)27 Hugo Rebelo MARE-FCUL, Biodiversity4all, Troiaresort

July 2017 A night with bats (Alcácer do Sal) 14 Maria Conceição Conde Alexandra Batista; Ian Warburton; ICNF

September 2017 Lousada Blitz 27 Nuno PintoAssociação BioLiving; Câmara Municipal de

Lousada

September 2017 Bats Night 35 Milene MatosAssociação BioLiving; Câmara Municipal de

Lousada

September 2017 Bats in the neighborhood (Ramada) 10 Bárbara Monteiro, Paula Rosa Biota

September 2017 BioBlitz Monsanto – European Night of Researchers

(Lisboa) 50 Margarida Augusto

National Museum of Natural History and Science

of the University of Lisbon

September 2017 4th Caldas da Rainha Bat Night (Caldas da Rainha) 40 Pedro Alves

Direcção Regional de Cultura do Centro Museu

José Malhoa; União das Freguesia das Caldas da

Rainha – Nossa Sª do Pópulo, Coto e São

Gregório; Plecotus; Florista Aroma do Campo


October 2017 Bats Gala 2017 (Alcanena) 111Hugo Rebelo, Jorge Palmeirim, Denis

MedinasCentro Ciência Viva do Alviela

October-November 2017

Night of the creatures from the dark (Braga,

Condeixa, Famalicão, Lousada, Proença-a-Nova,

Vagos, Viça Real)

400Luis Brás, Maria João Silva, Milene Matos,

Pedro Alves, Nuno Garrido, Virgínia Duro

Associação BioLiving; Associação Charcos &

Companhia; Câmara Municipal de Lousada;

Câmara Municipal de Vila Nova de Famalicão –

Parque da Devesa; Centro Ciência Viva da

Floresta; Grupo Protecção Sicó; Plecotus;

Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem; NEPA-

UTAD

April 2018 Bioblitz Serralves 2018 (Porto) 1000 Anabela Pereira, Virgínia Duro Fundação Serralves

April 2018 Short Course: Birds and Bats of Portugal 12 Ana Rainho cE3c/FCUL

April-May 2018 Bat Night - Ciência Viva no Verão (Alcanena) 179 Maria João Silva Centro Ciência Viva do Alviela

May 2018 Bats in Monastery of Tibães (Tibães) 30 Virgínia DuroInternational Museum Day, Monastery of Tibães,

BioAventuras

May 2018 22º International Bat Night - FAPAS (Lousada) 100 Virgínia Duro FAPAS

May 2018 BioBlitz - Almada 40 Ana Rainho, Mário Carmo Câmara Municipal de Almada

May 2018 Bioblitz Alviela (Alcanena) 20 Bruno Silva, Pedro Alves, Sílvia BarreiroCâmara Municipal de Alcanena; Centro Ciência

Viva do Alviela; Plecotus

AzoresAutonomousRegionEnvironmentalEducation

Date Name of the activity Participantes Monitor Organization / SupportJanuary 2016 O morcego esquecido 20 Lubélio Mendonça Parque Natural do Corvo

January 2017 Biodiversidade Açoriana 13 Marisa Hipólito Parque Natural das Flores

February until April 2016 O Morcego dos Açores vai à tua escola! 266 Dina Dowling Parque Natural do Faial

April 2017 Morcego-dos-Açores: Tímido e simpático! 17 Dina Dowling Parque Natural do Faial

February and March 2018 Mãos que voam 248 Dina Dowling e Cristina Carvalho Parque Natural do Faial

February and March 2018 O morcego no Jardim 40 João Bettencourt Parque Natural do Faial

April 2016Apresentação sobre Conservação da

Natureza e o Morcego-dos-Açores87 Tânia Santos e Helder Xavier Parque Natural da Terceira

July 2016 Vem conhecer o morcego-dos-Açores 14 Tânia Santos Parque Natural da Terceira

May 2014Passeio Noturno com Audição da espécie

Morcego-dos-Açores15 Vigilantes da Natureza Parque Natural de São Miguel

January until July 2015 O morcego esquecido 957Rafaela Anjos, Daniela Câmara e

Rita MeloParque Natural de São Miguel

December 2014 until June 2015 O Morcego-dos-Açores na tua escola 41 Rafaela Anjos, Daniela Câmara Parque Natural de São Miguel

January 2015 Nyctalus azoreum - Conhecer para proteger! 132Rafaela Anjos, Daniela Câmara e

Vigilantes da NaturezaParque Natural de São Miguel

December 2015Apresentação sobre Conservação da

Natureza e o Morcego-dos-Açores7 Carolina Anjos

Restart – Inst. Criatividade Arte

Novas Tecnologias

February, May, October and November

2016O morcego esquecido 304 Carolina Anjos e Joana Borges Parque Natural de São Miguel

February, May and October 2016 O morcego-dos-Açores na tua escola 79 Carolina Anjos e Joana Borges Parque Natural de São Miguel

April 2016Passa uma noite na boca do vulcão e

conhece o morcego-dos-Açores20

Rafaela Anjos, Joana Borges,

Mafalda Veiros, Carla Ferreira,

Susete Resendes, Ana Lúcia

Vieira, Cristina Bento, D.

Conceição e Patrícia Monteiro

Parque Natural de São Miguel

January until October 2017 O morcego "esquecido"! 814 Carolina Anjos e Joana Borges Parque Natural de São Miguel

January and March 2017 O Morcego-dos-Açores na tua escola 140 Carolina Anjos e Joana Borges Parque Natural de São Miguel

November 2017 XII Jornadas pela Conservação do Priolo 33 Carolina AnjosSociedade Portuguesa para o

Estudo das Aves (SPEA)

January and March 2018 O morcego "esquecido"! 99 Carolina Anjos e Joana Borges Parque Natural de São Miguel

November 2015 and February 2016 O morcego-dos-Açores na tua escola 96 Sofia Freitas Parque Natural de Santa Maria

January, February and April 2016 Nicolau: Um morcego simpático 301 Sofia Freitas e Carla Briló Parque Natural de Santa Maria

November 2017 and April 2018 Morcega-te! 95 Sofia Freitas Parque Natural de Santa Maria

MainlandPortugalRabies

Brain (dead specimens)

2016 2015 2016 2018 2015 2016 2018

Miniopterus schreibersii 57 8 3 68 2 4 3 9

Myotis bechsteinii 1 1 0

Myotis blythii 2 11 19 32 1 1 2

Myotis daubentonii 10 10 5 5 1 1

Myotis escalerai 16 10 26 0

Myotis myotis 21 19 41 81 1 2 2 5

Pipistrellus pygmaeus 1 1 0

Rhinolophus euryale 1 23 47 71 2 1 3

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum 2 29 19 50 1 2 2 5

Rhinolophus hipposideros 3 15 18 2 2

Rhinolophus mehelyi 3 12 51 66 2 3 5

Total 10 10 103 116 200 419 4 13 15 32

Oral swabsSpecies TOTAL

GuanoTOTALTOTAL

MainlandPortugalPublicationsProjects

PUBLICATIONS Amorim, F., Mata, V. A., Beja, P., & Rebelo, H. 2015. Effects of a drought episode on the reproductive success of

European free-tailed bats (Tadarida teniotis). Mammalian Biology-Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1616504715000075

Amorim F., I. Jorge, P. Beja & H. Rebelo. 2018. Following the water? Landscape-scale temporal changes in bat spatial distribution in relation to Mediterranean summer drought. Ecology and Evolution, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4119. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.4119

Arnett E.B., E.F. Baerwald, F. Mathews, L. Rodrigues, A. Rodriguez-Duran, J. Rydell, R. Villegas-Patraca & C.C. Voigt. 2016. Impacts of Wind Energy Development on Bats: a Global Perspective. In Bats in the Antrhropocene: Conservation of Bats in a Changing World. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-25220-9_11. http://www.springer.com/de/book/9783319252186#aboutBook

Aizpurua O., I. Budinski, P. Georgiakakis, S. Gopalakrishnan, C. Ibañez, V.A. Mata, H. Rebelo, D. Russo, F. Szodoray‐Parádi, V. Zhelyazkova, V. Zrncic, M.T.P. Gilbert & A. Alberdi. 2018. Agriculture shapes the trophic niche of a bat preying on multiple pest arthropods across Europe: Evidence from DNA metabarcoding. Molecular ecology 27 (3), 815-825 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322159050_Agriculture_shapes_the_trophic_niche_of_a_bat_preying_on_multiple_pest_arthropods_across_Europe_Evidence_from_DNA_metabarcoding

Barros P., Braz L., Vale-Gonçalves H.M., Cabral J.A. 2014. First records of Nyctalus noctula social calls in Portugal. Vespertilio, 17: 37-44. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/274509581_First_records_of_Nyctalus_noctula_social_calls_in_Portugal

Barros P., C. Ribeiro & J.A. Cabral. 2017. Winter Activity of Bats in Mediterranean Peri-urban Deciduous Forests. Acta Chiropterologica, 19(2):367–377. doi: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.2.013

Correia R., C. Faneca, D. Albuquerque, J. Vieira, C. Bastos, C. Fonseca & M.J. Ramos Pereira. 2014. Low-cost acoustic design of a bat test room, Bioacoustics: The International Journal of Animal Sound and its Recording, DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2014.964772 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2014.964772

Cruz, J., Sarmento, P., Rydevik, G., Rebelo, H., & White, P. C. L. 2015. Bats like vintage: managing exotic eucalypt plantations for bat conservation in a Mediterranean landscape. Animal Conservation http://www.researchgate.net/publication/279538234_Bats_like_vintage_managing_exotic_eucalypt_plantations_for_bat_conservation_in_a_Mediterranean_landscape

Ferreira D., C. Freixo, J.A. Cabral, R. Santos & M. Santos. 2015. Do habitat characteristics determine mortality risk for bats at wind farms? Modelling susceptible species activity patterns and anticipating possible mortality events. Ecological Informatics, 28: 7–18 ftp://nris.mt.gov/Maxell/Wind_Turbine_Bat_Impacts/Ferreiraetal_2015_Habitat_Characteristics_and_Bat_Wind_Turbine_Mortalities.pdf

Frick W.F., S.J. Puechmaille, J.R. Hoyt, B.A. Nickel, K.E. Langwig, J.T. Foster, K.E. Barlow, T. Bartonička, D. Feller, A.-J. Haarsma, C. Herzog, I. Horáček, J. van der Kooij, B. Mulkens, B. Petrov, R. Reynolds, L. Rodrigues, C.W. Stihler, G.G. Turner & A.M. Kilpatrick. 2015. Disease alters macroecological patterns of North American bats. Global Ecology and Biogeograpy, 24(7): 741-749.

Garcês A., S. Correia, F. Amorim, J.E. Pereira, G. Igrejas & P. Poeta. 2017. First report on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli from European free-tailed bats (Tadarida teniotis) in Portugal: A one-health approach of a hidden contamination problem. Journal of Hazardous Materials https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.12.053.

Herrera J.M., P. Costa, D. Medinas, J.T. Marques & A. Mira. 2015. Community composition and activity of insectivorous bats in Mediterranean olive farms. Animal Conservation, 18: 557–566.

Hintze F., V. Duro, J.C. Carvalho, C. Eira, P.C. Rodrigues & J. Vingada. 2016. Influence of reservoirs created by small dams on the activity of bats. Acta Chiropterologica, 18(2): 395–408.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1616504715000075

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4119

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.4119

http://www.springer.com/de/book/9783319252186#aboutBook

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322159050_Agriculture_shapes_the_trophic_niche_of_a_bat_preying_on_multiple_pest_arthropods_across_Europe_Evidence_from_DNA_metabarcoding

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322159050_Agriculture_shapes_the_trophic_niche_of_a_bat_preying_on_multiple_pest_arthropods_across_Europe_Evidence_from_DNA_metabarcoding

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2014.964772

ftp://nris.mt.gov/Maxell/Wind_Turbine_Bat_Impacts/Ferreiraetal_2015_Habitat_Characteristics_and_Bat_Wind_Turbine_Mortalities.pdf

ftp://nris.mt.gov/Maxell/Wind_Turbine_Bat_Impacts/Ferreiraetal_2015_Habitat_Characteristics_and_Bat_Wind_Turbine_Mortalities.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.12.053


Horta P., Raposeira, H., Santos, H., Alves, P., Palmeirim, J., Godinho, R., Jones, G., Rebelo. H. (2015) Bats echolocation call characteristics of cryptic Iberian Eptesicus species. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 61:813–818. DOI:10.1007/s10344-015-0957-x. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hugo_Rebelo/publication/281574233_Bats%27_echolocation_call_characteristics_of_cryptic_Iberian_Eptesicus_species/links/55f2f23408ae6a34f65e168d/Bats-echolocation-call-characteristics-of-cryptic-Iberian-Eptesicus-species.pdf

Lança C.C., N. Fernandes, A. Monteiro & A. Almeida. 2016. Lighting conditions and optical filters effects on visual performance of speleologists exposed to cave environments. International Journal of Speleology, 45 (1), 27-33. Tampa, FL (USA) ISSN 0392-6672 http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1933&context=ijs

Lino A., Fonseca C., Goiti U., Ramos Pereira M.J. (2014). Prey selection by Rhinolophus hipposideros (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) in a modified forest in Southwest Europe. Acta Chiropterologica,16(1):75-83. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/265390915_Prey_Selection_by_Rhinolophus_hipposideros_%28Chiroptera_Rhinolophidae%29_in_a_Modified_Forest_in_Southwest_Europe

Lino A., Fonseca C., Mendes G., Pereira M.J.R. (2015). Roosting behaviour and phenology of the Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in a breeding colony in Sintra, Portugal. Galemys, 27:1-12 file:///C:/Users/luisarodrigues/Downloads/60-77-1-PB.pdf

Mata V.A., F. Amorim, M.F.V. Corley, G.F. McCracken, H. Rebelo & P. Beja. 2016. Female dietary bias towards large migratory moths in the European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis). Biol. Lett., 12(3), 20150988. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0988

Mata V.A., F. Amorim, A. Guillén-Servent, P. Beja & H. Rebelo. 2017. First complete mitochondrial genomes of molossid bats (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B 2 (1), 152-154 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23802359.2017.1298419?needAccess=true

Mendes E.S., M.J. Ramos-Pereira, S.F. Marques & C. Fonseca. 2014. A mosaic of opportunities? Spatio-temporal patterns of bat diversity and activity in a strongly humanized Mediterranean wetland. Eur J Wildl Res, 60(4): 651-664. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/268149526_A_mosaic_of_opportunities_Spatio-temporal_patterns_of_bat_diversity_and_activity_in_a_strongly_humanized_Mediterranean_wetland

Monteiro A., C. Lança & N. Fernandes. 2015. Avaliação das condições de iluminância das actividades de espeleólogos em ambiente de gruta. Vertentes e Desafios da Segurança 2015.

Paiva-Cardoso M.N., F. Morinha, P. Barros, H. Vale-Gonçalves, A.C. Coelho, L. Fernandes, P. Travassos, A.S. Faria, E. Bastos, M. Santos & J.A. Cabral. 2014. First isolation of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in bats from Portugal. Eur J Wildl Res, 60:645-649. DOI 10.1007/s10344-014-0831-2. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/263441630_First_isolation_of_Pseudogymnoascus_destructans_in_bats_from_Portugal

Pereira M.J.R., F. Peste, A. Paula, P. Pereira, J. Bernardino, J. Vieira, C. Bastos, M. Mascarenhas, H. Costa & C. Fonseca. 2016. Managing coniferous production forests towards bat conservation. Wildlife Research, 43: 80-92 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299494318_Managing_coniferous_production_forests_towards_bat_conservation

Peste, F., Paula, A., da Silva, L. P., Bernardino, J., Pereira, P., Mascarenhas, M. & Pereira, M. J. R. 2015. How to mitigate impacts of wind farms on bats? A review of potential conservation measures in the European context. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 51, 10-22.

https://www.ufrgs.br/bimalab/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/How-to-mitigate-impacts-of-wind-farms-on-bats_Peste_etal_2015.pdf

Regala T., N. Bicho, F. Carvalho, J. Cascalheira, C. Gonçalves, R. Luís, V. Luís, R. Mergulho, B. Oliveira, P. Pacheco, R. Parreira, L.M. Paulo, M.J. Pinto, J.T. Regala, A. Santos & C. Veiga-Pires. 2018. Na senda de Charles Bonnet. Grutas clássicas do Algarve revisitadas - PARTE I. Trogle, 7: 36-105.

Rodrigues L., L. Bach, M.-J. Dubourg-Savage, B. Karapandža, D. Kovač, T. Kervyn, J. Dekker, A. Kepel, P. Bach, J. Collins, C. Harbusch, K. Park, B. Micevski & J. Minderman. 2015. Guidelines for consideration of bats in wind farms projects – revision 2014. EUROBATS Publications Series nº 6.

http://www.eurobats.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/publication_series/pubseries_no6_english.pdf Santos M., R. Bastos, D. Ferreira, A. Santos, P. Barros, P. Travassos, D. Carvalho, C. Gomes, H.M. Vale-

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hugo_Rebelo/publication/281574233_Bats%27_echolocation_call_characteristics_of_cryptic_Iberian_Eptesicus_species/links/55f2f23408ae6a34f65e168d/Bats-echolocation-call-characteristics-of-cryptic-Iberian-Eptesicus-species.pdf



http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1933&context=ijs

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/265390915_Prey_Selection_by_Rhinolophus_hipposideros_%28Chiroptera_Rhinolophidae%29_in_a_Modified_Forest_in_Southwest_Europe

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/265390915_Prey_Selection_by_Rhinolophus_hipposideros_%28Chiroptera_Rhinolophidae%29_in_a_Modified_Forest_in_Southwest_Europe

http://scholar.google.pt/citations?user=6bpgPEkAAAAJ&hl=pt-PT&oi=sra

http://scholar.google.pt/citations?user=c6hlpHIAAAAJ&hl=pt-PT&oi=sra

http://secem.es/galemys/index.php/Galemys/article/view/Galemys.2015.A1

http://secem.es/galemys/index.php/Galemys/article/view/Galemys.2015.A1

http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0988

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/268149526_A_mosaic_of_opportunities_Spatio-temporal_patterns_of_bat_diversity_and_activity_in_a_strongly_humanized_Mediterranean_wetland

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/268149526_A_mosaic_of_opportunities_Spatio-temporal_patterns_of_bat_diversity_and_activity_in_a_strongly_humanized_Mediterranean_wetland

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/263441630_First_isolation_of_Pseudogymnoascus_destructans_in_bats_from_Portugal

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299494318_Managing_coniferous_production_forests_towards_bat_conservation



http://www.eurobats.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/publication_series/pubseries_no6_english.pdf


Gonçalves, L. Braz, F. Morinha, M.N. Paiva-Cardoso, S.J. Hughes & J.A. Cabral. 2017. A spatial explicit agent based model approach to evaluate the performance of different monitoring options for mortality estimates in the scope of onshore windfarm impact assessments. Ecological Indicators, 73: 254–263.

Silva C., J.A. Cabral, S. Hughes & M. Santos. 2017. A modelling framework to predict bat activity patterns on wind farms: an outline of possible applications on mountain ridges of north Portugal. Science of the Total Environment, 581–582: 337–349. [doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.135] http://interact-utad.pt/images/documents/Artigospdf/T2BEST_Silva_etal_2017_STOTEN.PDF

Szentiványi T., D. Haelewaters, W.P. Pfliegler, L. Clément, P. Christe & O. Glaizot. 2018. Laboulbeniales (Fungi: Ascomycota) infection of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) from Miniopterus schreibersii across Europe. Parasites & Vectors, 11: 395. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2921-6.

Vale-Gonçalves H.M., P. Barros, L. Braz & J.A. Cabral. 2015. The contribution of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) feeding ecology to confirm bat species occurrence in north Portugal. Barbastella, online version 8(1):5-11. Doi.org/10.14709/BarbJ.8.1.2015.05.

Van der Meij, T., A.J. Van Strien, K.A. Haysom, J. Dekker, J. Russ, K. Biala, Z. Bihari, E. Jansen, S. Langton, A. Kurali, H. Limpens, A. Meschede, G. Petersons, P. Presetnik, J. Prüger, G. Reiter, L. Rodrigues, W. Schorcht, M. Uhrin, V. Vintulis. 2015. Return of the bats? A prototype indicator of trends in European bat populations in underground hibernacula. Mammal. Biol., 80: 170-177.

http://evolecol.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VanderMeij_bats.pdf

Viegas C., R. Sabino, J. Brandão & C. Veríssimo. 2015. Assessment of fungal contamination on bats habitats. Proceedings of Power of fungi and Mycotoxins in Health and Disease.

Witsenburg F., L. Clément, A. LópezBaucells, J. Palmeirim, I. Pavlinić, D. Scaravelli & P. Christe. 2015. How a haemosporidian parasite of bats gets around: the genetic structure of a parasite, vector and host compared. Molecular ecology, 24(4), 926-940. http://www.adriabaucells.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Witsenburg-et-al-2015.pdf

THESIS AND PROJECTS Barreiro S.P. 2016. Saving trees for saving bats: tree-like features as key foraging habitats for insectivorous bats

in intensively farmed agricultural lands. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Évora [Land conversion for agricultural purposes and the intensification of management practices, are the major drivers of the global biodiversity decline. The loss of natural vegetation remnants and homogenization of agricultural landscapes have detrimental effects on many species, including bats. As they are important pest controllers, it is important to understand the mechanism underlying their persistence in agricultural landscapes. By comparing structural features of increasing complexity (open fields, single trees, tree lines and woodlands), in this MsC it was investigated the patterns of bat species richness, flight and feeding activities of the three main foraging guilds; and the potential effect of prey availability on these patterns; in a Mediterranean intensively managed agricultural landscape located in Tagus River flood plain (“Lezíria do Tejo”), Centre Portugal. Bats were surveyed by acoustic methods and arthropods by using light traps, during the summer of 2014. Overall 16197 bat passes and 3449 bat “feeding buzzes” were recorded and 3643 arthropods were collected. More than 85% of bat passes recorded belong to the edge foragers Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus and P. kuhlii; and to the open-space foragers Eptesicus serotinus / E. isabellinus and Nyctalus leisleri. Results showed that open fields were significantly less bat rich and had lower levels of flight and feeding activities. Treed features were differently used by distinct bat guilds: open-space foragers were more abundant, and foraged preferentially above woodlands; edge foragers activities were higher in tree lines; and narrow-space foragers were more abundant near single trees. Differences on bat activities patterns were not driven by prey availability (measured as arthropods abundance), which was similar across structural feature complexity. It was concluded that the occurrence of different structural features within agricultural landscapes provide a variety of commuting and feeding habitats for bat species with different requirements, reinforcing the importance of landscape heterogeneity to bat occurrence and species richness in agricultural landscapes.]

Costa A.S. (ongoing MSC) The effect of landscape composition on bat activity and species richness in olive farms. Universidade de Évora. [Bats are negatively affected by the intensification of agricultural practices. In Portugal, the intensification of olive groves has greatly increased in recent years and the impact on bat flight activity patterns and species richness is still scarcely known. Therefore, the main objectives of this dissertation are to determine bat flight activity patterns and species richness in olive groves under different degrees of intensification and to evaluate the effect of the surrounding landscape on these patterns.]

http://interact-utad.pt/images/documents/Artigospdf/T2BEST_Silva_etal_2017_STOTEN.PDF

http://evolecol.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VanderMeij_bats.pdf

http://www.adriabaucells.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Witsenburg-et-al-2015.pdf


Faria S.S.A. 2014. Caraterização da riqueza específica da comunidade de quirópteros no Campus da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. Relatório Final de Estágio da Licenciatura em Biologia. UTAD. [Bat community richness characterization in the campus of University of Trás-os Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD campus): This Graduation Thesis main objective was to analyze the bat’s diversity, socialization and the feeding areas in the different habitats that compose the UTAD campus. 378 acoustic records were recorded and analyzed, confirming the existence of at least 11 species (Tadarida teniotis, Pipistrellus kuhlii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Miniopterus schreibersii, Nyctalus leisleri, Myotis daubentonii, Plecotus austriacus or Plecotus auritus, Eptesicus serotinus or Eptesicus isabellinus, Myotis myotis or Myotis blythii, and Nyctalus lasiopterus or Nyctalus noctula) and a maximum potential of 14 species. The ANOVA variance tests results points to an increase in the bat’s diversity according to the vegetative development state of the habitats. It also revealed that wet habitats are a prime hunting spot, while the gardens are the socialization hotspot. It was concluded that UTAD campus represent an excellent ecological niche for bats, proving to be a place of great importance for the conservation of this faunistic group in a regional context. Despite the high biodiversity associated with UTAD campus, it must be taken into account that this data is preliminary (gathered only during early spring) so further researches should include the whole annual cycle of bat’s activity in order to accurately access the reference situation of bat diversity in UTAD campus.]

Faria S.S.A. 2017. The influence of prey availability on the seasonal patterns of bat richness and activity in autochthonous deciduous forests. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. [Deciduous forests are known to hold a large quantity and species of arthropods. Despite this evidence, bats can exhibit severe seasonal variations in this type of forests, mainly induced by changes in the resources availability as well as several climatic conditions. Therefore, they must adjust their phenological conditions (post-hibernation, breeding and pre-hibernation seasons) according to the availability of trophic resources. In order to assess the potential influence of these factors on the seasonal patterns of bat activity, in this MsC two plots of deciduous forests were selected as representative autochthonous habitats, one dominated by sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa L.) and the other by English oaks (Quercus robur L.). The sampling design was based on the data collected through an automatic passive ultrasound detector (bat activity and richness), flight-intercept and pitfall traps (prey availability) and by monitoring the vegetative growth cycle (leaf development stages). Finally, the weather conditions were monitored through an automatic fixed weather station. The data collection (vegetation, arthropods, bats and weather) was performed with a fortnightly sampling periodicity between March and October in each type of forest. The bat data collection resulted in 1117 bats acoustic records and eleven species identified, being the Pipistrellus spp the genus with more bat passes recorded. Furthermore, two major social activity peaks were detected, one on March/April (post-hibernation season) and the other on September/October (pre-hibernation season). Additionally, the nocturnal bat activity was concentrated in the first half hour of the monitoring period. Regarding the arthropods variables (richness, abundance and biomass), the statistical analyses showed significant differences between trap types (aerial versus pitfall) and, as expected, between the vegetative variables (leaf area, leaf perimeter and Spad) of the two forest types. Three GLM models were performed in order to test the combination of all the above factors taking into consideration three phenological periods (post-hibernation, breeding and pre-hibernation seasons). In this context, although some significant explanatory variables were coincident in the three models, other variables had a different weight and significance between different phenological periods, as well as some explanatory variables with an unpredicted statistical result that could point to new lines of future research. Overall, the results are encouraging since they seem to demonstrate the reliability on capturing the relationships between some trophic attributes associated with the studied forests and the behavioural and ecological patterns of bat occurrence, habitat food resources availability and environmental prevailing conditions. Therefore, concerning the forest habitats management for bats, the maintenance of healthy oak forests seemed to play a significant conservation role, due to the fact that these habitats ensure a trophic niche available for bats until late autumn (pre-hibernation season).]

Farino A. (ongoing MsC) Evaluation of the occupation of bat boxes for arboreal bats in the Alqueva and Pedrógão reservoirs. Universidade de Évora. [Bat boxes have been used for conservation and mitigation of bat roost destruction across the world. In the Alqueva and Pedrógão dams several thousand trees were cutted down before the flooding and one of the mitigation actions was to set up bat boxes to replace the bat roosts that were lost. Here we assessed the occupation of the bat boxes and the influence of their characteristics and landscape variables for the use by bats. We surveyed the 101 bat boxes in 2016 and 2017 and recorded the information such as color, model, orientation of the exit, etc. Landscape information was collected using GIS. We recorded an occupation of 11%, mainly by Pipistrellus kuhlii bats. Occupation probability – logistic model – was higher in areas with high proportion of montado or dehesa and with high values of water edge. Both landscape variables had higher influence in 5000m buffers. The results from this model were spatially extrapolated to the study area to provide information on the probability of occupation of new bat boxes.]

Fernandes M. 2017. The influence of land use changes on the genetic structure of Plecotus auritus begognae populations. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade do Porto. [In order to understand the effects of climate change and habitat loss it is important to identify bioindicator taxa that show measurable responses to these changes. Particularly, insectivorous bats, show a strong dependence of forested habitats and are sensitive to a wide range of disturbances that also affect many other taxa (Jones et al., 2009). This research focused on Plecotus auritus begognae, a recently discovered lineage in the Iberian Peninsula, associated to forested environments. The Iberian Peninsula


has been considered an important reservoir of biodiversity. However, it has also been a target of climate and land-use change over the XXth century, leading to spatial changes in the landscape. The main goal was to evaluate through landscape genetics analyses the effect of historical land use changes on the population structure of P. a. begognae. Over 300 Plecotus auritus begognae samples were obtained from mist netting and roost trapping sessions in the Iberian Peninsula over the last decade. 23 autosomal microsatellite loci were analyzed and submitted to a number of genetic and statistical analyses, aiming towards the calculation of different genetic indices. This information was related to spatial environmental data, made available by historical maps and the HILDA (HIstoric Land Dynamics Assessment) model, and later facilitated the creation of friction layers, landscape genetic models (through Multiple Regression Distance Matrices) and species distribution models, in order to better understand the relation between the studied species and its environment. Results suggest that the overall forest area has increased in Iberia during the XXth century, while the forest extent during the earlier decades of the XXth century were strongly associated to the current Plecotus population structure. Also, older forests seem to provide a better habitat for this species, given its ecology, and therefore, it is more abundantly found in areas were older roosts can be found. This study highlights the need to include historical data when studying the current structuring of species populations and provides de evidence that we should urge to preserve the existing ancient forests, as well as aid in their expansion, rather than promoting the development of new spurious forests that may not provide the necessary resources for the species survival.]

Jensen K.M. 2018. Interaction between ectoparasitic fungus and bat flies. Bachelor Thesis, University of Copenhagen. [Bat flies (Nycteribiidae) of the order Diptera are highly specialized bloodsucking ectoparasites living on bats. The life cycle of the bat flies emphasizes their obligate relationship with their hosts as they spend almost their entire life on bats. Upon mating, the female bat fly carries the larva internally until the 3rd-instar stage. Only then will the female leave the bat to deposit the prepupa on the bat roost ceiling. The larva then forms a puparium and after 3-4 weeks the adult bat fly emerges and starts searching for a host bat to colonize. Some of these ectoparasitic bat flies themselves are infected with an ectoparasitic fungus of the genus Arthrorhynchus (Laboulbeniales). Ascospores of the fungi attach themselves to the cuticle of the bat fly and presumably develop a haustorium that penetrates tissue from where it extracts nutrition from the bat flies. This interaction converts the fungus into a hyperparasite. Both the parasite and hyperparasite are obligates and cannot live separate from their hosts. This peculiar case of hyperparasitism remains highly unknown. The studied bat flies were collected in caves of Portugal, in maternity and hibernation bat seasons, and in the autumn migration period. The most common species of cave-dwelling bats in Portugal is Miniopterus schreibersii, frequently parasitized by the bat fly species Nycteribia schmidlii and Penicillidia conspicua. There are no published records of bat fly-associated Laboulbeniales in Portugal. We have studied the prevalence of the Laboulbeniales of the genus Arthrorhynchus in natural populations of bat flies. Laboulbeniales infections were found on 10 of 428 screened bat flies (2.3%). Furthermore, we encountered the fungus species Arthrorhynchus nycteribiae as a new country record for Portugal. Lastly, we found evident penetration of the haustorium into the host tissue. This study extends the geographical range of the Laboulbeniales fungus and contributes to the understanding of this unique case of fungus-insect-vertebrate hyperparasitism interaction.]

Jorge I. 2014. The effect of landscape dynamics on bat habitat use and community composition in a future reservoir area. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade do Porto. [Landscape alteration and fragmentation are among the main drivers of current biodiversity loss. The building of a large dam and its reservoir in the Sabor river may cause a huge impact on the landscape, flooding numerous habitats, transforming a diverse and complex landscape into a homogenous wide reservoir and causing irreversible damages to local species. Consequently, these changes can affect the permanence of bat species in this ecosystem. The results of this MsC showed that from the tested eco-geographical variables, the area of water bodies, number of patches of closed areas and the mean slope are drivers of bat diversity in the study area. Also, besides the area of water bodies, small urban areas and native forests have positive effect on bat diversity, while arable lands have negative effect. On landscape structure, results showed that an intermediate level of number of patches (fragmentation) combined with patch richness of both closed and open areas influence positively bat species diversity. Taking these results into consideration, conservation measures on bat diversity can be designed for maintaining bat diversity in the Sabor valley.]

Marques F. 2016. Using metabarcoding techniques to assess the winter diet of Rhinolophus hipposideros. Relatório de estágio. Licenciatura em Biologia. Faculdade de Ciências do Porto. [Using metabarcoding techniques to assess the winter diet of Rhinolophus hipposideros: A recent study showed that Natterer's bats (Myotis nattereri) hibernation in Europe is irregular with frequent arousals for feeding during winter. Non-volant preys are consumed, raising questions on bat prey-detection system. In this study the winter dietary composition of Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolopus hipposideros) was analyzed, providing new data to conservation management as also as useful information to support questions about prey detection system. Dietary composition was obtained by Next generation sequencing using small barcode fragment of COI extracted from stool samples.]

Marques F. (ongoing MSC) Evaluating the efectiveness of European protected areas preserving the diversity and connectivity of bat populations. Faculdade de Ciências do Porto. [The world is facing a mass biodiversity extinction due to climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Species distribution and connectivity between populations play a key role in species resilience to extinction, but to our best knowledge the effectiveness of European protected areas on covering species connectivity has not been addressed. This master thesis will access European bat


diversity using species distribution models which will allow to calculate connectivity among populations. Finally, gap analyses will be performed to evaluate how well European protected areas cover those ecological values, thus providing data to improve protected areas design.]

Milhinhas C. (ongoing MSC) Factors influencing the bat community in vineyards: landscape characteristics, natural structures and management. Universidade de Évora. [Agricultural areas are increasing worldwide and the impacts of these structurally simple landscapes on biodiversity need to be assessed. Vineyards are one of the more simplified agricultural areas and we investigated the use of these ecosystems by bats and how management, and the presence of ecological structures (tree lines) and of important habitats (wetlands) influence the suitability of them for bats. We surveyed 26 vineyards using automatic bat recorders for 6 consecutive nights. Vineyard and landscape land use variables were measured using GIS of detailed maps. GLM models will allow us to design management strategies to improve the conservation of bat populations in these areas.]

Mina R.M.M. 2017. Bioaccumulation of metals in bats: is there a potential risk? Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Coimbra. [Given the conservation status of many bat species, and the need for large-scale studies, there is an increasing need for developing non-invasive tools to assess whether metal accumulation is one of the factors associated with the declining of the bat populations. Thus, the aim of this MsC was to validate the use of non-lethal samples to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in bats. For that, the concentration of 10 essential and non-essential metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) was measured in internal organs (bone, brain, heart and liver) and in external tissues (fur and wing membrane skin) collected from bat carcasses of four species (Hypsugo savii, Nyctalus leisleri, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus) obtained in the scope of windfarms mortality searches Correlations between metal concentrations in external tissues (non-lethal samples) and metal concentrations in internal organs (lethal samples) were established. The significance of the correlations was evaluated individually for each metal, and all the possible combinations between the tissues sampled were considered. In general, for the different metals analyzed, fur and wing membrane were the samples that showed the highest concentrations, while the bone was the tissue that presented the lowest concentrations. Few correlations were found between the metal concentrations in external tissues and the metal concentration in internal organs. However, all the biological samples showed similar response patterns in terms of metal accumulation, except the bone for some metals. In conclusion, fur and wing membrane demonstrated to be suitable biological matrices to evaluate metal exposure in bats, and may be useful to predict endogenous metal concentrations in these species.]

Oliveira, F.S.H. 2014. Influência das albufeiras de pequenas barragens na actividade de quirópteros no Nordeste de Portugal. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade do Minho. [Influence of small dams in Chiroptera activity in northeastern Portugal: Freshwater streams and natural ponds are very

attractive places for bats because they provide resources such as food, water and shelter. Freshwater systems have been profoundly

changed by the construction of dams over the years and the influence of these structures on bat activity is poorly understood. This

MsC aims at studying the effect of small river dams in the local bat communities and also at understanding if bat species benefit from

these types of structures. This study was carried out in small water dams on 5 small streams of the Sabor river basin, located in the NE

of Portugal. Four sampling points were selected on each stream: upstream of the dam (CM), downstream of the dam (CJ), on the

reservoir next to the dam’s wall (A1) and on the most upstream point of the reservoir (A2). A total of 20 sites were sampled, using an

ANABAT SD2 to monitor bat activity and foraging activity, during a period of 3 hours after the sunset, during the summer of 2011.

Each site was sampled three times. Results showed that total bat activity is significantly higher in reservoir sites (A sites) than in

riverine sites (C sites) and the same was observed in relation to foraging activity. However, no statistically significant differences

were found between homologue sites (i.e. A1 vs A2; CM vs CJ). Comparisons between bat activity using TtCI values showed that

Pipistrellus pipistrellus is the dominant species out of the 15 different species/complex of species detected in the study area. The

presence of small reservoirs in this region has a significant influence on the activity of bats. Therefore, in periods of drought,

reservoirs can provide water and food for bat species in the region. However, these dams appear to primarily benefit the species

belonging to the genus Pipistrellus and Myotis daubentonii, which are rapidly expanding in Europe. Even though riverine sites show

lower bat activity and foraging activity, these sites are more balanced in terms of species activity. Furthermore, the greatest number of

species with high conservation status was recorded in a riverine site located upstream of the reservoir. Therefore, riverine areas appear

to be more important than reservoirs in terms of biodiversity and conservation of the local bat community].

Ribeiro C. 2016. Atividade de quirópteros no inverno: Quais as condições climatéricas que a determinam? Relatório Final de Estágio. Licenciatura em Biologia. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. [Winter activity of bats: Which climatic conditions determine their activity?: Most of bats that inhabit in temperate zones

hibernate during the coldest season of the year, because of the scarcity of food resources, namely insects, that are not available due to

low temperatures in these regions. However, the hibernation of bats is not a continuous metabolic process, once in particular

situations with propitious conditions, some species break their hibernation state, namely to move within the hibernaculum, or to

change to other hibernaculum, to feeding and/or physiological requirements, or due to perturbation. The main objective of this study

was to characterize the activity of bats (typology, frequency, species) during the coldest period of the year (November, December,

January, and February), and correlate with climatic conditions that could determine the break of the hibernation state. This study was

done in UTAD Campus in two main habitat types of autochthonous deciduous forests, one dominated by semi-natural oaks (Quercus

robur), and the other by chestnuts (Castanea sativa). The results showed that the activity during the period of study varied according


the species, in which the highest period of activity was in November, the lowest during December and February, and absent in

January, being registered significant statistical differences on the activity between months. Generally, the response variables, namely

number of detected passages (Npass), number of species (Nsp), and number of social calls (SC), were not indifferent to a set of

climatic variables, such as relative humidity, temperature, precipitation, wind speed, precipitation accumulated within 48 hours

preceding acoustic detection, moon light, and period when the detection was registered. The temperature proved to be the most

influential variable on the activity of bats (Npass and SC) and species richness (Nsp), in both cases, in a positive and highly

statistically significant way. Concluding, the pattern of bat activity during the period of hibernation could be strongly associated with

the fluctuations of air temperature. Nonetheless, the prevailing conditions on previous days, about this variable and others, are still

lesser studied under the hypothesis that sustains a non-instantaneous reaction of the Chiroptera to the variation of the environmental

conditions. In the future, the studies carried out on this subject should look for the best possible determination on the periods of

characterization to be considered for the climatic conditions, and thus obtain results that allow to better clarify what determines this

intermittent behavior acquired evolutionarily by bats as a strategy of survival.]

Rodrigues A.F.P.N. 2014. Medidas de minimização de impactes para a conservação de quirópteros: O caso da demolição de abrigos em estruturas edificadas no âmbito do aproveitamento hidroeléctrico do Baixo Sabor. Relatório Final de Estágio. Licenciatura em Biologia. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro.

Santos H.S.V. 2017. Combining molecular analyses with predictive modelling to study the population history of Iberian cryptic bats: lessons from the past to better predict the future. Tese de Doutoramento, Universidade do Porto. [Due to the global trends in biodiversity loss, there is an increasing need in conservation biology for the development of methodologies to aid in the fast development of conservation management guidelines. This work focuses on combining methodologies from conservation and landscape genetics with predictive modelling and connectivity, to provide relevant insights on the ecological and molecular characteristics of bat cryptic species, while presenting significant outputs for conservation management. Using the Iberian Peninsula as a case study, this research firstly aimed at determining the distributions, as well as ecological and biogeographical affinities, of recently discovered bat cryptic species. These outputs revealed possible unsurveyed areas of species occurrence as well as the ecological relationships between species’ niches and the contact zones within each cryptic complex. With a particular focus on the poorly-known cryptic lineage Plecotus auritus begognae, a population evolution study was also developed to clarify the evolutionary history and relationships between the Iberian Plecotus lineages. These results revealed a clear separation of all lineages within this genus, except between Plecotus auritus auritus and Plecotus auritus begognae, which were only differentiated by mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites, therefore suggesting a recent separation and supporting the subspecies status. Successful field campaigns were then conducted in the previously determined subspecies’ area of occurrence, with the aim of filling the sampling gaps. Subsequently, a multi-disciplinary approach was developed, integrating landscape genetics’ analyses with species distribution modelling and connectivity methodologies, to study the environmental drivers affecting the population structure and connectivity patterns of P. a. begognae. This subspecies showed no clear population structure within Iberia, with gene flow occurring throughout its range. The outputs of this study, however, not only demonstrated that this gene flow is dependent on the presence of forested and mountainous areas, but also identified the subspecies’ distribution patches which are potentially at-risk of isolation. The large extents of mature forests in the North of the Iberian Peninsula seem to be preventing the fragmentation within this subspecies and, as such, conservation efforts directed to forest preservation in these areas are recommended. Finally, with the aim of evaluating the potential impacts of climate change in P. a. begognae’s populations, landscape genetics was integrated with climatic modelling. The results obtained showed a considerable contraction of P. a. begognae’s suitable area of occurrence for 2050 and even more severe for 2070. Most of the subspecies’ distribution range will become unsuitable, forcing populations to shift their ranges into projected suitable and stable areas, mostly located in north-western Iberia. The most likely pathways for range shift and dispersal, and the climatic predictors most related to them were also determined. Predictions also revealed possible refuge areas, as some regions located within the western distribution of the subspecies seem to remain stable throughout the decades in climate change scenarios. Overall, the integration of different disciplines proved successful in providing relevant ecological and molecular information for P. a. begognae, as well as presenting spatially explicit outputs essential to prioritize conservation measures.]

Silva C.M.C. 2015. Desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta baseada na modelação estocástico-dinâmica para a previsão da actividade de morcegos em zonas de montanha: contributos para a determinação do risco de mortalidade associado a parques eólicos. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. [Development of a tool based on stochastic-dynamic modeling to bat activity forecasting at mountain areas: contributions for determination of bat mortality risk associated with wind farms: Modeling tools are becoming an increasingly common practice for explaining and supporting decisions associated with ecological effects and environmental impact assessments. The Stochastic-dynamic methodology (StDM) is a tool specialised in predicting the response of ecological indicators, which can be used to mitigate and/or minimize ecological and environmental impacts. In this context, a StDM model was created in this MsC, including the multifactorial effect of meteorological conditions, land cover and geographical variables in predicting bat activity at mountain ridges of northwest Iberia, in order to assess bat mortality risk for ridges with wind farms. The StDM model was calibrated using correlative information collected during five years, namely acoustic detection of bats and environmental variables associated. Meteorological


variables (temperature, wind speed and moisture) had a preponderant influence, although other explanatory variables also were identified as significant in predicting bat activity. In fact, the proximity to agricultural areas, forested areas and ponds seem to promote the increase of bat activity in ridges. Conversely areas occupied by tall scrubs, low shrubs associated with rocks and distant areas of water lines are associated to a decrease in activity. The simulations demonstrate higher accuracy in predicting bat activity levels for more comprehensive and broader scales, such as bat activity during annual cycles or bat activity by ridge, discriminating periods and locations with different bat activity levels. In fine and detailed scales, such as bat activity by sampling point or bat activity by month, the error of prediction is higher. Nevertheless the model response to the scenarios imposed showed its capacity to detect differences between ridges considering the influence of several environmental variables on bat activity. The model also showed capacity to indicate the months and nights with meteorological conditions in which bat activity is superior. In general, the simulated bat activity is higher in warmer and less windy periods, which may obviously be associated with an increase of bat mortality risk in mountain ridges where wind farms are present. Our model indicates September as the period when bat activity is greater. The temporal overlap between highest values of predicted bat activity and bat mortality recorded in wind farms at Portugal, appears to corroborate proportional relationship between activity and mortality risk. The proposal presented in this thesis aims to contribute to improving, in an innovative way, the ability to anticipate, prevent and mitigate the possible consequences associated to wind farms installation, for ridges of northwest Iberia. The StDM model developed can be used as support tool to decide whether install or not install wind power projects for a specific location, but also could be used to improve the management of already installed wind farms, by increasing the start-up speed or even stop windmills at specific nights and locations associated to high bat activity levels.]

Silva J.M.R. 2017. O efeito do hidroperíodo na actividade e diversidade dos morcegos: comparação entre charcos temporários mediterrânicos e charcos permanentes. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Évora. [The effect of hydroperiod in bat activity and diversity: comparison between mediterranean temporary ponds and permanent ponds: Several studies suggest that ponds are crucial to bats. According to the type of ponds and landscape, these habitats may provide different foraging opportunities for bats. The aim of this MsC was to test the influence of pond hydroperiod length on bats in both mediterranean temporary ponds and permanent ponds. 32 ponds were sampled (16 mediterranean temporary and 16 permanent) along the southwestern coast of Portugal during April to 16 May 2015 and in May 2016, and the activity and species richness were evaluated. The influence on bats of other variables such as water quality parameters, insect availability and landscape features were also assessed. Hydroperiod influenced species richness but not bat activity. Most species of conservation concern were recorded in permanent ponds. GLM models revealed a strong positive influence of arthropod biomass and urban area, and a negative influence from wind speed on bat activity, feeding buzz and species richness.]

Teixeira C.S.C. 2017. Ocorrência de fungos patogénicos e oportunistas de morcegos cavernícolas e seus hibernáculos na região de Trás-os-Montes. Tese de Mestrado, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. [Occurrence of pathogenic and opportunistic fungus in cave-dwelling bats and underground roosts in the Trás-os-Montes region: Pseudogymnoascus destructans was isolated for the first time in Portugal in 2014 in the Trás-os-Montes region, justifying the importance of this work’s objectives for the integrated assessment of the ecological relevance of bats, its conservation status, which is frequently unfavorable, and its role in the transmission and dispersion of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi in ecosystems. In this MsC a total of 74 specimens were collected directly from the wings and muzzles of bats, as well as 13 samples from their hibernation and breeding shelters (faeces, mine walls , tunnels and buildings in the Trás-os-Montes region). Sterile swabs (soaked in saline) were used for this purpose and were then used to inoculate appropriate culture media under asepsis conditions (examples: "Potato Dextrose Agar" and "Sabouraud Dextrose Agar"). In the present work, only filamentous fungi were target for taxonomic identification, through macroscopic and microscopic observation techniques of the colonies, from which the morphological identification of fungi was carried out at least until the genus level.]

Vieira R. 2016. Determinação da dieta de morcegos em vinhas através de metabarcoding. Relatório de estágio. Licenciatura em Biologia. Faculdade de Ciências do Porto. [Bat diet assessment at vineyards through metabacoding analysis: Recent studies indicate that insectivorous bats play a very important role in the regulation of insect pests in agricultural areas. These mammals feed daily on a high amount of biomass and their diet encompasses a wide variety of insect and other arthropod species. However, the impact of bats' diet on wine production is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate if insectivorous bats feed on potential pests of vines and what was their effect is in controlling these pests. The diet of these bats was analyzed through Next Generation sequencing techniques using a small barcode fragment of the COI gene. The results showed that these mammals feed on a large variety of species. However, no vine pest species were detected.

PUBLIC AWARENESS Matos M. & F. Santos. 2017. O espantoso recordatório de factos adoráveis sobre os incríveis animais de

Lousada. Câmara Municipal de Lousada. Matos M. 2018. O Livro da Ciência. Câmara Municipal de Lousada.

EUROBATS National Implementation Report · Implementation Reports and instructed the Secretariat to...

Documents

Transcript of EUROBATS National Implementation Report · Implementation Reports and instructed the Secretariat to...